TTD Leadership Clash Deepens Over Viral Videos and Allegations
The ongoing conflict between former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy and the current TTD chief BR Naidu has reached a new level of intensity. This escalation follows the widespread circulation of videos featuring Naidu on various social media platforms late Saturday night, sparking a heated exchange of accusations and demands.
Former Chairman Demands Resignation Over Viral Content
Addressing a press conference at the YSRCP central party office in Tadepalli on Sunday, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy launched a scathing attack on BR Naidu. He alleged that Naidu has brought significant disrepute to the prestigious Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams through the viral videos, which purportedly show him in a compromising situation with a woman.
"Never in the 94-year history of the TTD, and even before when temple management was under royal control, has such an accusation been leveled against the chief of the Devasthanams," Bhumana stated emphatically. He drew parallels to historical precedents, recalling how former governor ND Tiwari resigned after similar videos surfaced and how actor Prudvi was removed from his post during the YSRCP regime due to obscene audio clips.
Bhumana insisted that Naidu should immediately step down from the TTD chairmanship on moral grounds, arguing that the integrity of the institution must be preserved above all else.
Current TTD Chief Dismisses Allegations as Fabricated
In a swift and firm response during a press conference held in Tirupati on Sunday afternoon, BR Naidu categorically denied all allegations. He dismissed the accusations as "false and baseless," attributing the viral videos to a malicious conspiracy aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
"The woman and her family in the video are my family friends for 30 years," Naidu explained. "Our Shirdi visit-related videos and other footage were morphed and circulated on social media with malafide intent. Have you found anything obscene in these videos?" he challenged reporters, asserting the innocence of the content.
Counter-Allegations of Scams and Political Motives
Naidu did not stop at defending himself; he launched a counter-offensive against Bhumana Karunakar Reddy. He accused the former chairman of seeking his resignation from the very first day he assumed office, suggesting a deep-seated political rivalry.
Naidu alleged that Bhumana is desperately leveling false accusations because he has been continuously uncovering alleged scams that occurred during the tenures of Bhumana and YV Subba Reddy as TTD chairmen under the YSRCP regime. This claim adds a layer of financial and administrative misconduct to the personal allegations, broadening the scope of the feud.
Formal Complaint and Reiteration of Innocence
Reiterating his commitment to the TTD and the state government, Naidu stated that he has done nothing wrong to bring disrepute to either entity. To combat what he calls a "false sleaze propaganda," he announced plans to lodge a formal police complaint. This step is intended to expose the conspiracy he believes has been hatched against him, seeking legal recourse to clear his name and address the allegations head-on.
The dispute highlights not only personal conflicts but also broader issues of governance, morality, and political intrigue within one of India's most revered temple administrations. As both sides dig in their heels, the situation remains volatile, with potential implications for the management and reputation of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
