The disappearance of the Sri Anjaneya Swamy idol from the Alipiri footpath leading to Tirumala has initiated a political uproar, according to YSRCP official spokesperson Are Shyamala. During a press conference held at the YSRCP Central Office in Tadepalli, Shyamala asserted that the incident indicates a significant failure in both security and governance within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). She has called for the resignation of TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu in response to what is seen as escalating concerns regarding the safety and integrity of religious artefacts.

Shyamala remarked that the idol, which has been a focal point of worship for countless devotees over the past sixty years, is considered the Kshetrapalaka, or guardian deity, of the Tirumala pilgrimage route. The loss of such a venerated symbol, according to her, has profoundly affected the sentiments of millions of devotees who begin their journey to Lord Venkateswara’s temple by paying homage to the idol.

In her address, Shyamala presented CCTV footage of the incident as evidence of substantial shortcomings in security measures at the TTD. The YSRCP spokesperson highlighted that concerns about safety have intensified amid a series of controversies since B.R. Naidu took office, including allegations about the presence of liquor and narcotics within the temple complex and the distressing reports of animal deaths in the TTD goshala.

Concerns Over Governance Amid Rising Controversies

The alleged lapses in governance at TTD have not gone unnoticed, according to Shyamala. She challenged those who profess to uphold Sanatana Dharma for their silence regarding the series of incidents affecting the sanctity of the temple and its surroundings. She contended that the coalition government has failed to safeguard not only the temples but also the idols and the faith of devotees.

Furthermore, Shyamala expressed frustration with the current management of pilgrim arrangements at TTD. She described the administration’s inability to ensure a smooth darshan experience for visitors, claiming that ongoing controversies have substantially undermined public trust in the institution. This, she argued, reflects a broader need for accountability and reform within the TTD.

Shyamala’s demands included immediate corrective measures to restore faith in the organisation and accountability from those deemed responsible for these alleged administrative failures. She called on Chairman B.R. Naidu to step down, stating that he should take moral responsibility for TTD’s recent issues.

Investigation Launched Into Idol Theft

In a startling turn of events, the one-foot-tall Hanuman idol, which was situated near the Sri Prasannanjaneya Swamy temple at Alipiri, was reportedly taken by an unidentified individual on Wednesday. This incident prompted immediate action from local law enforcement, as the Tirupati district police have formed dedicated teams to investigate the circumstances surrounding the theft.

For numerous decades, the idol has served as a spiritual beacon for devotees, who would traditionally offer their prayers to it before embarking on their pilgrimage to the revered Lord Venkateswara. The theft has raised not only security concerns but also questions about the potential implications for the faith of those who hold the idol in high regard.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding how such an incident could occur in a location historically viewed as sacred and secure. The YSRCP’s allegations regarding lapses in security and governance may further complicate the narrative surrounding this increasingly sensitive matter.

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