Tirupati Temple: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has strongly refuted allegations made by YSR Congress Party’s Chittoor district president and former TTD Trust Board Chairman, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, who claimed that the newly initiated land swap policy could be a potential scam. Reddy’s remarks come in the wake of ongoing debates surrounding the allocation of land near Tirumala, an area considered sacred by millions of devotees.
In response to Bhumana Karunakar Reddy’s allegations of impropriety, the TTD stated that the land swap was conducted transparently, with clear resolutions passed in multiple board meetings. The decision, it stressed, was rooted in the larger interest of devotees rather than commercial gain.
“The issue concerns the sentiments of millions of devotees,” the TTD said in a statement, adding that “it is not appropriate to level baseless allegations when the land has been secured to preserve the sanctity of Tirumala.”
What do we know about the alleged land scam?
The controversy dates back to November 24, 2021, when the then Government’s Tourism Department allotted 20 acres of land at Alipiri to the Oberoi Hotel. The decision immediately drew sharp objections from Hindu groups, Swamijis, and devotees, who argued that the land, being at the foothills of Tirumala, should not be diverted for commercial purposes.
Recognising these concerns, the TTD Board, during its meeting on 18 November 2024, passed Resolution No. 102 recommending that the sacred land should not be handed over to Oberoi Hotels but instead be preserved for the Devasthanam’s use.
Chief Minister’s assurance
The matter received further attention on March 21, 2025, when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, during his visit to Tirumala, assured devotees that no activities unrelated to the temple’s sanctity would be allowed within the premises of the sacred seven hills. His remarks highlight the government’s intent to prioritise the religious and cultural significance of Tirumala over commercial considerations.
Following consultations, the Tourism Department agreed to transfer land located on the northern side of the Alipiri road to the TTD, provided that the land on the southern side was exchanged. Accordingly, in its meeting on May 7, 2025, the TTD Board passed Resolution No. 250, granting consent for the exchange. This decision was formally approved on 22 July 2025 through Resolution No. 385.
Under the agreement, the TTD transferred its land on the southern side of the Alipiri–Cherlopalli road to the Tourism Department. In return, it secured the northern portion, which is directly adjacent to the Tirumala hills. The TTD has clarified that the acquired land will be used exclusively to develop facilities for devotees, ensuring the preservation of sanctity while addressing future needs.
Officials have emphasised that the land on the southern side had already seen various constructions, making it less suitable for temple-related use. By contrast, the northern land, being directly adjacent to the Tirumala hills, holds both spiritual and strategic importance. Its acquisition, the TTD explained, safeguards the sanctity of Tirumala and enhances security measures around the sacred area.