TIRUPATI: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has banned political and hate speeches at Tirumala and warned of initiating legal action against the violators.
The newly constituted TTD trust board headed by chairman BR Naidu passed a resolution to this effect at the maiden trust board meeting held at Tirumala recently.
The resolution No 93 passed by the TTD trust board states “the decision was taken to strictly maintain the serenity and divine atmosphere at Tirumala duly preserving the sanctity of the seven hills. As such political and hate speeches are strictly prohibited at Tirumala. Legal action will be taken if anyone contravenes the resolution”.
TTD authorities expressed concerns over political statements made by various elected representatives during their visits to the Tirumala temple. They said political speeches had hurt the sentiments of the devotees several times in the past.
The administration has also focused its attention on the spike in instances of photo and video shoots by celebrities, politicians and others near the Tirumala temple. It has also banned anyone from indulging in such acts which disturbs the spiritual ambience of the Tirumala hills and hurts the sentiments of the visiting devotees.
Temple officials said videos shot by actress Nayanthara and her husband and film maker Vignesh Shivan, reels shot by YSRCP MLA Duvvada Srinivas and his live-in partner Duvvala Madhuri near the Tirumala temple during their earlier visits had led to some serious controversies in the past. They justified the board’s decision on banning unauthorised video/photo shoots at Tirumala. They also clarified that VIPs including politicians may, however, speak on matters related to the Hindu Sanatana Dharma, aspects related to pilgrim services, and TTD administration etc during their visits to Tirumala temple.