VIJAYAWADA: The YSRC on Saturday accused the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and the ruling coalition government of failing to protect the sanctity and security of temples, following an incident of desecration at the Govindarajaswamy Temple.
Addressing the media, former MLA Malladi Vishnu said an allegedly intoxicated person had climbed the temple and vandalised idols and the kalasam, calling the incident an act of sacrilege. He alleged that both TTD officials and the government had neglected basic safety measures and shown little concern for devotees.
Vishnu claimed the TTD Board and the government were more focused on facilitating VIP darshan during Vaikunta Ekadasi, a period marked by heavy pilgrim inflow, than on ensuring adequate security arrangements. He further alleged that advising devotees to visit nearby temples instead of Tirumala had hurt religious sentiments.
Citing incidents including the Vaikunta Ekadasi stampede, disturbances at Kasibugga and Simhachalam, and a prolonged power outage at the Kanakadurga temple, Vishnu said these reflected the government’s “poor regard” for Sanatana Dharma.
He also referred to damage to a Siva Linga at Draksharamam, alleging the matter was suppressed. Claiming inadequate protection for devotees, hundis and gosalas, and deterioration in the quality of prasadam, Vishnu demanded that the government take responsibility and offer a clear explanation for the Tirumala incident.
