All You Need To Know About Tirumala Trust Chairman's Role And Functions
According to reports, the TDP’s SVSN Varma is seen as a frontrunner.
The Lok Sabha elections have come to an end with several alliances with the BJP in the picture. The Telugu Desam-Jana Sena-BJP coalition took place in Andhra Pradesh to form the government. Now, vigorous efforts are underway to secure the prestigious chairman post of the Tirumala Tirupati Devastanams Trust Board (TTD). It is an independent trust which manages various temples including the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh.
The trust oversees the operation and finances of the richest and most visited religious centre in the world. It is believed that the chairman post of TTD carries the privilege equal to a state cabinet minister. Traditionally, the ruling party appoints the TTD chairman. The previous chairman, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, was nominated by the YSRC government. His resignation from the position will result in the coalition government naming his replacement. Several names from the alliance partners are being speculated.
According to the report of Deccan Chronicle, the Telugu Desam party’s SVSN Varma is seen as a frontrunner. He is a leader from Pithapuram who worked for Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan’s victory. The inclusion of Pawan Kalyan’s brother Naga Babu as TTD chairman was also in the news but it was quickly denied.
From the BJP, former state chief Somu Veerraju, spokesperson P Bhanuprakash Reddy who stepped aside for the Jana Sena in Tirupati, and Daggubati Venkateswara Rao, husband of current BJP chief D Purandeswari, are said to be some names who are seeking this post.
The film producer Ashwini Dutt, who is considered close to the Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has also expressed his interest. He is currently producing Prabha starrer Kalki 2898. His previous criticism of alleged irregularities in TTD affairs is seen to bolster his candidacy.
The TTD Chairman coordinates matters with trustees, priests and officials to oversee the temple affairs.