Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar has reacted sharply to the appointment of non-Hindu employees in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). Speaking to the media after visiting Lord Venkateswara on the occasion of his birthday, he said that TTD is a sacred Hindu religious institution and only those people should be appointed here who believe in Sanatan Dharma.
The minister claimed that about 1,000 non-Hindu employees are working in TTD, many of whom do not believe in the temple and the traditions of Lord Venkateswara. He raised the question that if a Hindu who wears tilak is not given a job in a mosque or church, then how is the appointment of non-Hindus in a Hindu temple justified.
Bandi Sanjay Kumar called it a violation of the dignity and tradition of Sanatan Dharma and demanded the TTD administration to immediately remove all such employees. He alleged that these appointments have been made under vote bank politics, which affects the sanctity of religious institutions.
Along with this, he appealed to TTD to provide financial assistance to small temples, especially those temples where daily worship is not being done. He said that TTD should identify such temples and provide them funds for basic worship materials like incense, lamps and naivedyam.
This statement has come at a time when the debate on the issue of transparency and faith regarding appointments in religious institutions is intensifying. The minister clarified that this is not only a question of faith, but also of protecting the dignity of the institution and religious traditions.