A.V. Dharma Reddy. ( Image: DC)
Tirupati: A.V. Dharma Reddy, Executive Officer, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), has proceeded on a weeklong leave starting June 11, just a day before the swearing-in of the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance government in the state.
His leave coincides with the visit of the new Chief Minister-elect Nara Chandrababu Naidu to Tirumala on June 12.
As per a government order issued on June 10 by Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad, Dharma Reddy has been granted casual leave from June 11 to 17 for "personal reasons" while being permitted to leave headquarters but remain available within the state.
Dharma Reddy's absence during the CM's maiden visit to the Lord Venkateswara temple after taking oath has raised questions as the TTD EO is traditionally expected to receive the CM during such occasions as per protocol. The opposition parties have cried foul over the leave being timed alongside the transition of power in the state.
Jana Sena leaders in Tirupati had recently filed a complaint with the CID seeking seizure of Dharma Reddy's passport to prevent him from "fleeing" abroad.
After the recent poll results favouring the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance, allegations have surfaced against Dharma Reddy and the previous YSRC government-appointed TTD Trust Board regarding financial irregularities, matters related to the temple's ornaments and jewellery, as well as the Srivani Trust's affairs during his tenure as EO.
Jana Sena's Tirupati unit leaders like Kiran Rayal, Rajareddy, Subhashini and others stated in their complaint that despite not being an IAS officer, Dharma Reddy functioned arbitrarily without any control for five years, acting at the behest of the previous CM Jagan Mohan Reddy. They expressed apprehensions that Dharma Reddy is attempting to go on leave and fly abroad without providing proper accountability for the cash offerings made to the Lord's fund during his tenure which needs to be thoroughly probed.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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