Tirupati hotel row sparks TDP-YSRCP clash with communal undertones

New Delhi: The allotment of 20 acres by the Andhra Pradesh government to Mumtaz Hotels in Tirupati has triggered a row between the ruling TDP and opposition YSRCP with sharp communal undertones.

The YSRCP has accused chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu of "conspiring" to hand over valuable Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) land to Oberoi Hotels, which owns Mumtaz Hotels, a special purpose vehicle created to implement the hotel project. It has alleged that 20 acres of prime land owned by TTD in Tirupati, valued at ₹1,500 cr, was exchanged for low-value rural land, resulting in a loss of ₹1,000 cr.

"Naidu is the mastermind behind a conspiracy to surrender valuable TTD property to Oberoi under the guise of a land exchange," said YSRCP leader B Karunakar Reddy.

At the heart of the controversy is the allotment of land to Oberoi Hotels in Alipiri area, adjacent to Tirumala shrine. Last November, TTD had passed a resolution for cancellation of the allotment. The plan was to build a 100-room, five-star hotel by 2026 and add 25 rooms later under the brand 'Trident'.

Amid protests against "violation of sanctity" of the shrine, the government cancelled allotment of the land but asked TTD to give an alternative plot nearby. TTD transferred 20 acres to tourism department for allotment to Oberoi group. This land swap will now go to the Cabinet next week. The YSRCP leader described the move as a "direct assault" on the Hindu religion and accused the Naidu-led government of auctioning temple properties in the name of tourism.

The TDP, however, accused the YSRCP of spreading false propaganda. TDP spokesperson Jyothsna Tirunagri said it was the YSRCP government in 2021 that had allotted this land to Mumtaz Hotels, sparking unrest.