Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced that only Hindus should be employed at the Tirumala Temple, emphasizing that individuals from other communities currently working there would be relocated to other places without hurting their sentiments.
“Only Hindus should be employed at the Tirumala Temple. If individuals from other religions are currently working there, they will be relocated to other places without hurting their sentiments,” Naidu stated.
Additionally, the Chief Minister revealed plans to build Venkateswara Swamy temples in all state capitals across India. He also highlighted the global significance of Lord Venkateswara’s assets, acknowledging that many devotees wish for temples to be established in foreign countries as well.
Govt Cancels Mumtaz Hotel Lease Near Tirumala
Addressing concerns about commercialization near the Seven Hills area, Naidu announced the cancellation of the land lease granted for the Mumtaz Hotel project. The hotel, which was planned on 35.32 acres of land, had received approval under the previous government.
“Permission had previously been granted for the Mumtaz Hotel adjacent to the area. However, the government has now decided to cancel the approval for the hotel, which was planned on 35.32 acres of land. There should be no commercialization near the Seven Hills of Tirumala,” he stated.
The decision aligns with the demand of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which had passed a resolution in November 2024 requesting the cancellation of the land allotment. TTD chairman B.R. Naidu had earlier called the hotel project “objectionable” due to its proximity to the sacred site.
“Yesterday we passed a resolution and requested the government to cancel the lease, and we are going to hand over that land for the temple,” the TTD chairman said.
Naidu Credits Lord Venkateswara for Surviving Attacks
Expressing his devotion, Naidu recounted his survival from an attack involving 24 Claymore mines, attributing it to the “immense power” of Lord Venkateswara.
“I was targeted with 24 Claymore mines. Surviving such an attack was impossible, but I lived solely due to the divine grace of Lord Venkateswara. The fact that I survived such a massive explosion proves the Lord’s immense power,” he said.