It looks like Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has begun cleansing the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).
Recently, there was a major reshuffle of IAS and IPS officers in Andhra Pradesh. One key change was the transfer of E.O. Shyamala Rao, who has now been posted as the Political Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Senior IAS officer Anil Kumar Singhal has replaced him as the new Executive Officer of TTD.
TTD has faced several controversies over the past year. Reports suggested ongoing issues between TTD Chairman BR Naidu and E.O. Shyamala Rao.
Their differences became public during a verbal exchange in front of the Chief Minister at the Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan Stampede.
The Opposition also targeted the Government over rumours about cow deaths in Tirupati Goshala. Many blamed Shyamala Rao for poor handling of the situation.
There are also claims that BR Naidu and Shyamala Rao were no longer on speaking terms.
The Executive Officer even skipped a temple ritual conducted by the Chairman during the Lunar Eclipse. Eventually, the Government had to intervene.
Devotees have welcomed the transfer and are now urging the Chief Minister to consider a change in the Chairmanship as well.
BR Naidu, known to be a straightforward person, has faced several challenges during his tenure.
He has also made political statements on multiple occasions.
Moreover, he is a media entrepreneur and runs TV5, a channel known for its support of the Telugu Desam Party.
As a result, BR Naidu frequently comes under fire from the YSR Congress Party, making him a regular target.
This has led many devotees to demand a firm decision from the Chief Minister regarding the Chairman’s position.
Typically, a TTD Chairman serves for about two to three years, based on the Government’s discretion.
BR Naidu will complete one year in office this November. His tenure so far has been eventful and controversial.
While removing him for political reasons may be tough, devotees are requesting that his term be limited to two years.
