BR Naidu Appointed as New TTD Chairman

BR Naidu, popularly known as the owner of TV5, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Upon assuming this prestigious role, BR Naidu expressed a strong commitment to serve selflessly, intending to address key concerns surrounding the temple’s sanctity and management. His appointment comes on the heels of a significant controversy surrounding the quality of Tirupati Prasadam. The controversy emerged when allegations surfaced that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were being used in the sacred laddus offered at the Sri Venkateswara temple. This issue prompted the Supreme Court to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Andhra Pradesh state police, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), under the CBI director’s supervision.

BR Naidu has voiced plans to consult with the government about addressing the presence of employees from non-Hindu faiths at Tirumala, contemplating their transfer or voluntary retirement to maintain the temple’s religious sanctity. He emphasized that the purity and reverence of Tirumala had suffered under the previous administration and is dedicated to restoring its sacred environment. Recognizing the achievements of the current committee, he commended their successful organization of the ‘Brahmotsavam’ festival, pledging to build on their efforts and implement further positive reforms within TTD’s administration.

The newly announced TTD governing board comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds across multiple states. Alongside BR Naidu, the board includes three MLAs from Andhra Pradesh, five members from Telangana, three from Karnataka, and two from Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Additionally, there is representation from Maharashtra, and an additional member from BJP is expected to join soon, furthering the board’s inclusive nature. Notably, the appointments feature prominent figures such as Buragapu Anand Sai, art director; Bongunuri Mahendra Reddy, Vice-President of Telangana Jana Sena Party; and Anugolu Rangashree, a founding member of the JSP, as recommended by JSP President and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

Among other new appointees are Jagampeta MLA Jyotula Nehru, Kovoor MLA Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy, and Bharat Biotech’s co-founder Suchitra Ella, whose background in corporate governance and CSR efforts strengthens the board’s capabilities. One surprising element of the new board’s composition is the absence of any members directly from Tirupati, where TTD is headquartered. While BR Naidu hails from Chittoor district, he is now based in Hyderabad, furthering his long-standing association with the TDP and his philanthropic contributions to the Hindu community. The inclusion of experienced members like former Union Minister Panbaka Lakshmi and former Chief Justice of India HL Dattu brings a strong blend of public service and governance expertise to the TTD Board.