It is controversies galore for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in 2024

TTD embroiled in controversies, including embezzlement allegations, political rivalries, and corruption probes, amidst significant financial growth and achievements.

The year 2024 saw Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body of the Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala, being marred by several controversies.

The TTD, among the richest temple trust boards in the world, was caught in the crossfire of political rivalries in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, with then ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and Opposition using issues related to the functioning of temple administration during their campaigns. Allegations and counter-allegations dominated the narratives.

The most contentious issue that dominated the election campaigns was the alleged embezzlement of the funds belonging to the SriVani Trust which generates a revenue of around ₹570 crore annually through the sale of darshan tickets.

Though the allegations of fund diversion were later deemed misleading, the damage caused is believed to be one of the contributing factors that led to the downfall of the Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy government.

The allegations of poor quality food served to devotees as part of the Nitya Annadanam scheme and compromising of temple norms added fuel to the fire.

After the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) returned to power, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu vowed to restore the TTD’s sanctity, pledging to ‘cleanse the entire administrative system’ and protect devotees’ sentiments.

However, the image of the TTD suffered a setback due to the allegations related to the use of ghee adulterated with animal fat in the making of laddus and other prasadams.