TTD Chairman Resignation Demand, Political Heat Rises
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is currently at the center of a major political storm in Andhra Pradesh. The opposition YSRCP intensified its demand for the immediate resignation of the current TTD Chairman, B.R. Naidu. This follows the viral spread of controversial videos and photographs on social media involving the Chairman. Former TTD Chairman and senior YSRCP leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy held a press conference in Tirupati, asserting that the content is genuine and not a product of artificial intelligence, as previously claimed by the ruling side.
Karunakar Reddy stated that the videos were sent for technical scrutiny, and the reports confirmed their authenticity. He argued that the presence of such controversial material brings down the sanctity and image of the world-famous hill shrine. During the media briefing, he even shared a letter purportedly written by the woman seen in the videos. The letter alleges a long-standing relationship and raises serious personal accusations against the Chairman. The opposition has directly questioned Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on why a person with such “questionable credentials” was appointed to the prestigious board.
In response, B.R. Naidu has dismissed the allegations as a “malicious smear campaign” orchestrated by his political rivals. He clarified that the woman in the video is a family friend of over thirty years and that the visuals are from a pilgrimage to Shirdi. He claimed that old photographs and videos were morphed using deepfake technology to tarnish his reputation. The Chairman further alleged that these attacks are a reaction to his efforts in unearthing corruption and scams that occurred during the previous government’s tenure at TTD.
The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has largely stood by the Chairman, labeling the row as a diversionary tactic by the opposition. However, the YSRCP has urged the state government to remove him from office if he does not step down voluntarily. They emphasize that the moral integrity of the TTD head is paramount to millions of devotees worldwide. As the debate continues to trend on social media, many netizens and religious groups are calling for a transparent investigation to uphold the dignity of the temple.
This controversy has now become a focal point of the state’s political discourse, overshadowing other administrative developments. With the 2026 local body elections approaching, both major parties are using this issue to sway public sentiment. While the police have reportedly begun a cyber-crime investigation into the origin of the clips, the pressure on the TTD board continues to mount. The final decision rests with the state leadership, as devotees wait for a resolution that protects the spiritual essence of Tirumala.
