TTD EO slams BJP Leaders\' Comments on Mandapam Reconstruction Proposal

Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) executive officer (EO), A.V. Dharma Reddy, has condemned the recent comments made by BJP leaders, particularly the party’s state spokesperson and former TTD board member P. Bhanu Prakash Reddy, regarding the TTD's proposal to reconstruct the ancient mandapams near Padala Mandapam at Alipiri and Paruveta mandapam in Tirumala.

Speaking to reporters after the 'Dial your EO' programme in Tirumala on Friday, the TTD EO expressed his disappointment in the criticism levelled against the newly renovated Paruveta Mandapam. He revealed that some individuals, including BJP leader Bhanu Prakash, have called for the retention of the old Mandapam structure only.

Describing this criticism as a "painful act", EO Reddy offered to personally show Bhanu Prakash and other BJP leaders both photographs of the old Mandapam and the newly renovated Mandapam to address their concerns. He also invited them to witness firsthand the transformation of the Paruveta Mandapam.
The executive officer emphasised that the Padala mandapam near Alipiri had become dilapidated and was beyond repair. “The decision to renovate the mandapam was based on a report from the TTD's engineering department, which recommended its reconstruction. These two mandapams fall outside the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), so there was no requirement to obtain permissions from ASI for the renovation work,” EO Dharma Reddy clarified.

The TTD EO added that such motivated and distorted criticism of sensitive issues not only hurts the sentiments of devotees but also inflicts injustice on the Hindu community. He urged all stakeholders to consider the facts and the importance of preserving these sacred sites, emphasising that the TTD's actions were aimed at ensuring the longevity and safety of these historic structures.