TTD inquiry into YSRC publicity material at Tirumala

 TIRUPATI: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams’ vigilance and security wing has ordered an inquiry into how the ruling YSRC party’s publicity material is reaching Tirumala despite the restrictions.

This, after the Jagananne ma Nammakam programme organised by the YSRC in Balaji Nagar in Tirumala drew sharp criticism from various quarters.

Display of party flags and publicity materials is strictly prohibited in Tirumala. Telugu Desam, BJP, Jana Sena and other political parties staged demonstrations, asking how the TTD's security at Alipiri allowed YSRC activists to not only carry their party posters to Tirumala, but also affix the party stickers to the houses in Balaji Nagar residential area.

The Rayalaseema Porata Samithi convener and Congress leader Naveen Reddy accused the YSRC of misusing its power and spoiling the sanctity of Tirumala.

“Any indulgence in politics is strictly forbidden on Tirumala hill. This is an offence under the law. The vigilance and police personnel should take strong action against such law-violators. If no action is taken, the opposition parties will also start doing such things from tomorrow,” he has warned.

Former TTD board member and BJP leader Bhanu Prakash also spoke out against the YSRC stickers being pasted on houses in Tirumala. "Recently, the TTD vigilance wing at Alipiri refused entry to a Maharashtra vehicle solely because it carried an idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," he noted.

The former board member sought disciplinary action against the errant Telugu Desam and Jana Sena activists too condemned the YSRC for “damaging the sanctity of Tirumala.”