Tirupati:VIPs' smooth entry to Tirumala temple to be curbed?

Tirupati, Feb 3: The richest temple in India, the Tirumala temple has always been a religious abode for the rich and the famous, but it looks like this is going to end soon after the TTD board has decided to review the preferential treatment given to legislators, their families and other supporters who have a cake walk in visiting the temple that is crowded most of the time.

There has emerged some difference of opinion on the privilege offered to the legislators and other politicians in Tirumala, especially the break darshan and tickets for important occasions. The ordinary pilgrims have to wait in the queue for many hours to have darshan of the deity.

One of the proposals presented by the Board is to limit the number of letters that a legislator can issue to his supporters which allows them preferential treatment. The same could also been given by one person from the Assembly. The politicians have rejected this proposal.

The matter came up for discussion in a recent TTD board meeting that was chaired by Bapi Raju and attended by executive officer, Mr L.V. Subrahmanyam and others. Sources have claimed that the Chairman is in agreement with the legislators, the Board members are not too appreciate of the proposal.

An official has been quoted as saying, "If 294 MLAs, 90 MLCs, 42 Lok Sabha MPs, 18 Rajya Sabha MPs issue five letters per day, the number of VIPs will swell to 2,220. Add five family members along with them, and the number will be 11,100. How can this be justified at the cost of the common man."

TTD executive officer, L.V. Subramanyam said that while special facilities will be provided to legislators and their families as per the protocol, the same cannot be extended to those carrying letters of the legislators. He added, "Everyone is equal before the Lord. We are trying our best to provide facilities to all."

An official stated that the TTD board is expected to meet on Feb 8 again to review the status of facilities and processing of personal visits, as well as the recommendations of politicians who were given preference in 17 and 25th compartments in the VQC-1 complex.

OneIndia News