Date:04/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/03/04/stories/2005030408380400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

MSR promises probe into TTD affairs

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, MARCH 3. The Endowments Minister, M. Satyanarayana Rao, has promised an inquiry into the charges levelled by some MLAs into the affairs of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

Some members in the Assembly on Thursday protested against the increasing political interference, inconvenience to devotees, irregularities, arbitrary decisions and diversion of funds. The controversial move to appoint an official to a top post and plan to acquire luxury cars for the board members drew flak. The members wanted the sanctity of the sacred place to be protected.

Replying to a question by N. Amarnath Reddy (TDP) and others during the question hour, Mr. Rao said none would be spared, if found guilty. He accused the previous Government of diverting temple funds.

Fund diversion

Mr. Amarnath Reddy opposed diversion of Rs. 10 crores to Tirupati Urban Development Authority and nominating of TUDA Chairman as an ex-officio member. Another TDP member, A.S. Manohar, alleged that many people were being allowed to have darshan through the `mahadwaram'.

The CPI (M) member, Nomula Narsimhaiah, allaged that the offerings to the Lord were being sold at throwaway prices. The Leader of the Opposition, N. Chandrababu Naidu clarified that his Government had utilised funds to construct a hospital and improve the civic amenities in the temple town in view of the increasing flow of devotees.