In a sharp criticism of the tirumala tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), minister Konda surekha has stirred controversy by claiming that devotees from telangana are being neglected in Tirupati. The minister, who hails from the ruling BRS party in telangana, made these remarks in a recent public statement, accusing the ttd of failing to provide adequate services and facilities to telangana pilgrims, despite their significant numbers.

surekha emphadata-sized that telangana devotees have long been facing hardships while visiting tirupati, citing incidents where pilgrims were subjected to inadequate accommodation, lack of proper guidance, and longer wait times for darshan of Lord Venkateswara. According to her, these issues have escalated over time, leading to dissatisfaction and distress among the telangana public.

The minister revealed that the telangana government had officially submitted a memorandum to the andhra pradesh government, urging the ttd to address the grievances of telangana pilgrims. The memorandum calls for better infrastructure, improved facilities, and greater attention to the needs of telangana devotees, including ensuring that accommodation and darshan services are fairly distributed.

This controversy brings to the forefront the sensitive relationship between telangana and andhra pradesh, particularly after the bifurcation of the states in 2014. Tensions have occasionally flared over various issues, and this latest statement from Konda surekha adds fuel to the fire. While the ttd has remained largely silent on the matter, political observers note that the remarks could be an attempt to rally support in telangana ahead of upcoming elections, with the TTD’s role as a significant cultural and spiritual symbol in both states making it a powerful point of contention.

Several real-time incidents are cited as evidence of the alleged negligence. One such instance involved a large group of devotees from telangana who were reportedly denied adequate accommodation in tirupati, despite having booked rooms well in advance. Another incident saw long queues and delays for darshan, with telangana pilgrims having to wait much longer than those from other regions.

Supporters of minister Surekha’s comments argue that the ttd has historically been more responsive to the needs of devotees from andhra pradesh, and that Telangana’s pilgrims are often overlooked. Critics, however, argue that her statements are politically motivated and designed to exploit regional sentiments for electoral gain.

As the issue continues to gain attention, it remains to be seen how the andhra pradesh government and the ttd will respond. The controversy underscores the delicate balance that must be maintained between regional interests, cultural traditions, and the expectations of millions of devotees who visit tirupati annually.