Tirupati MP Challenges Political Exploitation of Sacred Traditions

Tirupati’s Member of Parliament, Maddila Gurumurthy, has publicly denounced what he describes as “despicable political manoeuvres” by the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP). During a press conference held in Delhi on March 15, 2024, Gurumurthy asserted that these actions are compromising the sanctity of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and harming the sentiments of devotees.

The YSRC MP called for an end to the politicization of the revered Tirumala temple, warning that it should not be turned into a political battleground. He highlighted that companies such as Bhole Baba Dairy and Premier Dairy, which are currently at the center of controversy, have been suppliers of ghee to TTD since the previous TDP government. Gurumurthy emphasized that during the current YSRC administration, certain supplier syndicates were dismantled, and a transparent tender system was put in place to provide fair opportunities for all vendors.

Gurumurthy defended the integrity of the tender process, stating, “No rules have been violated during this process.” He noted that when concerns arose regarding the quality of ghee, then TTD chairman Y.V. Subbareddy acted responsibly by sending samples to the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru and blacklisting companies that did not pass quality checks.

The MP expressed frustration over the TDP’s misrepresentation of these reports for political gain, claiming they are misleading the public. He specifically addressed claims regarding the presence of animal fat in the ghee used for the famous Tirumala laddu, citing that the CBI charge sheet has confirmed the absence of such contamination. “Yet, TDP is spreading falsehoods to target the YSRCP, divert public attention, and score political points,” he stated.

Gurumurthy accused the TDP of resorting to “diversionary politics” as a means to obscure its failure to fulfill electoral promises. He praised Y.V. Subbareddy’s leadership, noting that under his chairmanship, over 2,000 temples have been constructed across the nation, significantly promoting Hindu dharma.

“It is wrong to levy baseless allegations against such a person,” Gurumurthy warned. He cautioned that those who attempt to undermine the sanctity of Lord Venkateswara’s Temple risk invoking the Deity’s wrath. His statements reflect a growing concern among political leaders about the intersection of religion and politics, particularly in a region where the temple holds immense cultural and spiritual significance.

As the situation unfolds, the implications of these political disputes on the TTD’s operations and the sentiments of its devotees remain to be seen.