Union minister Sanjay Kumar slams TTD for 'employing 1,000 non-Hindus', demands immediate probe

Even if non-Hindus were employed earlier, why is there no change? he questioned. 'There may be several hidden problems. This must be investigated thoroughly,' the BJP leader urged.

Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar expressed anger over how more than a thousand non-Hindus were given jobs in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

He questioned, “Would you give jobs to Hindus who wear the 'bottu' (sacred mark) and go to mosques or churches?”. He criticised the continuation of this practice despite changes in governments and administrations and demanded the immediate removal of such individuals from their posts.

He urged the immediate construction of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Karimnagar, for which the foundation stone has already been laid. He also called for special funds to be allocated for the development of the Illandakunta Ramalayam and the Kondagattu Anjaneya temples.

On the occasion of his birthday, Bandi Sanjay Kumar visited Tirumala along with his family and had darshan of Lord Venkateswara on Friday.

Speaking to the media after his darshan, Bandi Sanjay Kumar said, "On the occasion of my birthday, I had the divine darshan of Lord Venkateswara. I offered prayers for the happiness, peace, and well-being of all people. I wish for unity and harmony among citizens in the service of our nation and the protection of Sanatana Dharma. I also prayed for strength and a long, healthy life for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who continues to dedicate himself day and night to the nation’s development, public welfare, and the vision of a strong and prosperous India."

Many temples in the Telugu states are not even receiving basic offerings like incense and food. Ancient temples that haven’t seen development must be identified and developed through a strategic plan using TTD funds. I have already performed the bhoomi pooja for the Venkateswara Swamy temple in Karimnagar — it should be constructed without delay. Funds must be allocated for the development of Illandakunta Ramalayam and Kondagattu Anjaneya temples.

“Tirumala is the property of Hindus. If foreigners or non-Hindus want to visit the temple, a declaration is mandatory. Unfortunately, more than a thousand people from other religions are working in TTD. These individuals do not believe in Hinduism or in God. Why should such people be given jobs? Why continue to retain them? This is not a good practice. The involvement of non-Hindus in temple affairs is disrupting rituals and traditions. Why are people who do not believe in the deity being paid salaries? All Hindus are opposing this. It is not acceptable to dismiss responsibility by claiming that these appointments were made in the past," he said.

They should be removed immediately. It is wrong to retain individuals who work against Sanatana Dharma. Vote bank politics is not acceptable. This is the property of Hindus, he added.

“I ask again — if a Hindu wears a ‘bottu’ and goes to a mosque or church, will he be given a job there? No, right? Then how can non-Hindus be employed in TTD? This practice is not acceptable even if governments and administrations change. I strongly demand that they be removed immediately,” Bandi Sanjay said.

Few days ago TTD had suspended an Assistant Executive officer after a vigilance inquiry found he is practising another faith and attends church regularly. Earlier, In May, the TTD board decided to transfer non-Hindu employees working at various board-run institutions to other Andhra Pradesh government departments or offer them voluntary retirement schemes. While Bandi Sanjay claimed around 1,000 non Hindus haave been working according to 2021 TTD records, the board employed approximately 40 non-Hindu staff members across its institutions.

Prior to the May decision, TTD initiated disciplinary action in February against 18 non-Hindu employees for continuing to participate in non-Hindu religious activities. The order prohibited these 18 employees all Christians working as lecturers, hostel workers, office subordinates, engineers, helpers, nurses, and other paramedical staff from attending religious and spiritual events organized by the temple.