BJP demands probe into demolition Tirumala Paruveta Mandapam

Addressing media on Sunday, BJP leader P. Naveen Kumar Reddy charged that the demolition had been carried out during previous YSR Congress government's tenure by former executive officer (EO) of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) A.V. Dharma Reddy.

Naveen Kumar said Dharma Reddy did not bother to take approval from authorities like the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and State Archaeology Department before the demolition of a centuries-old structure.

"It is a matter of grave concern that such an ancient structure of immense historical and religious significance has been razed to the ground by the TTD under the leadership of Dharma Reddy. The silence from ASI and State Archaeology Department over this brazen act is deafening," the BJP leader stated.

"Such wanton destruction of our heritage happened at Tirumala, one of the most revered Hindu religious sites. This sends a chilling message about the future of other historical structures across the country," Naveen Kumar underlined.

He said he will write to the President, Prime Minister and AP Chief Minister, apprising them of the demolition, Dharma Reddy's role, and the neglect by central and state archaeology bodies.