War of Words Escalates Between BJP and YSRC Over TTD Funding for Infra in Tirupati

Tirupati: Tension mounted in Tirupati as the BJP and the ruling YSRC engaged in a bitter exchange of words over the funding of certain infra development and sanitation works in Tirupati town by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

The BJP’s objection to funding by the governing body of the Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy Temple for civic purposes has sparked protests from the ruling YSRC leaders. The YSRC labeled the BJP as “anti-people” accused it of hindering development of the pilgrim city.

In separate media conferences, YSRC leaders, including Thataiahagunta Gangamma temple chairman Katta Gopi Yadav, Tirupati co-operative town bank vice chairman Vasu Yadav, and MCT corporators warned that the BJP and its leaders would face the wrath of the people.

They argued that due to the massive daily influx of over 1 lakh pilgrims and thousands more arriving for employment, education and medical needs, the municipal corporation has been unable to meet the growing expenditure for sanitation.

Therefore, TTD funds are essential for maintaining the cleanliness and greenery of the city, the YSRC leaders stressed.

Challenging BJP leader Bhanuprakash Reddy, who opposed the TTD funding for the civic works, YSRC leaders suggested that BJP leaders should secure funds from the Centre for Tirupati’s development.

BJP state secretary Muni Subramanyam accused the YSRC of engaging in various scams under the guise of development. He asserted that the BJP would not tolerate such “scams.” He argued that TTD funds should be exclusively spent on Hindu religious activities.