TTD not in pact with Music Today: Minister

Hyderabad, Mar 25 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister J Ratnakara Rao today said the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD), the governing body of the Lord Venkatewara temple at Tirumala, had not entered into any agreement with Music Today.

Replying to a question raised by D Rajeshwara Rao and B Kamalaker Rao (Cong) in the Legislative Council during Question Hour, he said the TTD had not handed over the audio rights of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Suprebhatam and other Sankirtans of the Lord and Vedas by violating norms.

To a question, he said the TTD had not paid Rs 12 crore to Music Today for recording at the rate of Rs 30 per cassette. Contrary to the members' claim, no music company had come forward to record the same at Rs ten per cassette, he added.

Regarding another question raised by Opposition TDP leader D Veerabhadra Rao and others, Mr Rao said an inquiry was conducted into the tragic death of devotees in a stampede at Kanaka Durga temple at Vijayawada in January this year. A copy of the report would be placed before the House as soon it is submitted to the Government.

The Minister said the Government had disbanded the trust board and renovation committee of the temple and appointed a special officer to look after the temple affairs.

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