YSRCP spreading falsehood about Tirumala temple for political gain: TDP leader

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) State vice-president Vemuri Anand Surya on Friday alleged that the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) was spreading falsehood against the Tirumala temple for political gain. 

Addressing the media at the TDP central office in Mangalagiri, he said the NDA coalition government was efficiently managing the unprecedented rush of devotees at Tirumala and other temples.

“Unable to digest this, the YSRCP leaders are spreading false propaganda through a section of the media, with claims of stampedes and government negligence,” he said.

The TDP leader recalled that even senior police officials had clarified that no such incidents occurred, yet the YSRCP continued with the ‘malicious campaign to damage the reputation of Tirumala temple and hurt the sentiments of devotees.’

Mr. Anand Surya accused the YSRCP of circulating fake videos and rumours on issues such as cow deaths in goshalas, irregularities in annadanam, crowd mismanagement, and even the appointment of TTD officials. He termed this a deliberate attempt to create barriers for ‘spiritual tourism’ in the State.

Launching a scathing attack on the previous YSRCP regime, he alleged large-scale mismanagement and corruption in Tirumala, including illegal appointments, diversion of temple funds, black marketing of darshan and seva tickets, and misuse of prasadam for political purposes.