Mumtaz hotel controversy: What is it and why are Tirumala seers opposing it?

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has passed a resolution requesting the Andhra Pradesh government to cancel the allotment of 20 acres of land given to Mumtaz Hotel in the Alipiri area, which is adjacent to the Tirumala temple. The decision was made during a TTD Trust Board meeting held on Monday.

TTD Chairman BR Naidu confirmed the resolution and stated that the land, originally allocated for a tourism project called Devalokam, was later given to Mumtaz Hotel by the previous government. He emphasised that having a hotel next to the temple is "objectionable" and goes against the sentiments of Hindu devotees.

“When Chandrababu Naidu was the Chief Minister, the original project was Devalokam. The government land was given to Tourism to develop this project. However, the previous government changed it and gave it to Mumtaz Hotel. Since it is adjacent to the temple, it is highly objectionable for Hindus,” BR Naidu told ANI.


This was the first meeting of the TTD Trust Board since Naidu took oath as chairman on November 6.

Non-Hindu Employees Asked to Choose VRS or Transfer

Another resolution was passed requiring non-Hindu employees working under TTD to either take voluntary retirement or opt for a transfer to other government departments in Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking to ANI, BR Naidu said, "I moved the resolution in the Board yesterday, and it was unanimously accepted. We have identified some non-Hindu employees at TTD. I plan to meet them personally and request them to take voluntary retirement. If they are not interested, we will transfer them to other government departments such as Revenue, Municipality, or any Corporation. That is our intention."

Ban on Political Statements at Tirumala

The board also decided to prohibit any political statements within Tirumala. Legal action will be taken against those who violate this rule or propagate political messages in the area.

TTD's Responsibilities

The TTD Trust Board manages 12 temples and sub-shrines, employing over 14,000 staff members. The latest resolutions are aimed at preserving the religious sanctity of the temple and ensuring smooth administration.

With inputs from ANI