Governor asks the TTD to make declaration compulsory

Governor ESL Narasimhan is learnt to have directed the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) authorities to strictly adhere to the procedures in upholding the sanctity and serenity of the famous hill temple of Lord Venkateswara.

Even though the details of the communiqué are not made public highly placed sources in the TTD said that the Governor has directed the management to make signing of the declaration form mandatory for all the non-Hindus visiting the hill shrine.

The communiqué assumes significance as it comes in the aftermath of the controversial visit of YSRC President YS Jaganmohan reddy to the hill temple a couple of months back wherein the management had come under a cloud of criticism for its indiscriminate issuance of VIP darshan passes amidst unconfirmed and conflicting reports that he tried to enter into the Vaikuntam queue complex with his footwear on. The issue assumed political dimensions with leaders of various political parties petitioning the Governor seeking his intervention.

According to the communiqué any non-Hindu visiting the hill temple irrespective of his stature should voluntarily sign the declaration form before entering into the temple for the darshan of the deity. In case if he fails to do so for any given reason the TTD staff should mandatorily seek the declaration from him without any fear or favour.

Secondly only on-duty staff should be present inside the temple during the visit of the VIPs. Action should be initiated against those who are not in duty and are still present inside the temple. Here it may be mentioned that several of the TTD staff though were not on duty reportedly accompanied Jagan into the temple during his controversial visit.

Thirdly the staff should enlighten the devotees leave alone the VIPs to leave their footwear at their respective cottages before heading towards the temple for the darshan.

Sources said the TTD management also has been directed to discuss the Governor’s communiqué in detail at its board of trustees meeting and pass relevant resolution before finally making it lawful. Eom