NEW DELHI: Temple rights activist TR Ramesh, a vocal proponent of liberating Hindu temples from government oversight, has announced plans to file a writ petition to remove the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) from the control of the Andhra Pradesh government. Ramesh argues that the TTD, which oversees the revered Tirupati Balaji temple, should be independently managed, free from what he calls “autocratic and arbitrary” government interference.
Ramesh’s statements come amid recent controversies surrounding the TTD. A purported lab report from Gujarat alleged the presence of lard, beef tallow, and fish oil in the temple’s Laddu Prasad, sparking global outrage among Hindus. Many devotees view the Prasad as a sacred offering, and these findings have deeply disturbed their religious sentiments. Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister, Pawan Kalyan, undertook an 11-day penance to apologize for this alleged contamination, vowing to atone for what he described as a grave disrespect to the deity.
Following the uproar, the Andhra Pradesh government replaced the TTD board with members selected from across the southern states, emphasizing that only practicing Hindus with strong faith in Sanatana Dharma would serve on the board. Ramesh welcomed this move, saying on X (formerly Twitter), “I had congratulated [Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan] when the AP government issued a Government Order prohibiting interference by government officials in Andhra Pradesh temple traditions and rituals.”
He added, “The chairman of the TTD board, BR Naidu, has ordered that only genuine Hindus may work as TTD employees in Tirumala. This is an important step in respecting the sanctity of temple management.”
I had congratulated @ncbn Garu and @PawanKalyan
Garu when AP Govt issued a Government Order prohibiting interferences by Govt officials in Andra Pradesh temple traditions and rituals .Shri BR Naidu Chairman of TTD, when he took over as Chairman, had issued directions… pic.twitter.com/MBcWbLoiGJ
— trramesh (@trramesh) November 4, 2024
However, Ramesh emphasised that the Chief Minister’s direct involvement in selecting board members violates principles of law. “The Chief Minister has no legal authority to direct a government secretary to appoint individuals he has handpicked. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has clear judgments that in such cases, government officials must exercise their own judgment and independence,” Ramesh asserted.
Ramesh, along with several other temple advocates, believes that government intervention in religious institutions compromises their autonomy and core administrative values. He cited a lack of accountability and respect for Hindu traditions as reasons to push for the government’s removal from TTD oversight. The temple reportedly generates annual revenue exceeding ₹5,000 crore, making it one of the wealthiest religious institutions globally. According to Ramesh, “It is time for the AP government to relinquish control over the TTD. But I doubt they would willingly forfeit control over such a significant institution.”
In his posts, Ramesh has called for the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) to play a more active role in championing the liberation of Hindu temples across India. “To be honest, the RSS should initiate a ‘Chalo Delhi’ call to demand freedom for Hindu temples from government control,” he posted. Ramesh added that this call should have been raised years ago when the BJP first came to power, arguing that the RSS should prioritize freeing temples in BJP-ruled states before targeting Andhra Pradesh.
To be HONEST – @RSSorg should give a call for "Chalo Delhi" to free Hindu Temples from Govt control
To be MORE HONEST @RSSorg should have given this call 10 years ago when @BJP4India came to power
Why target AP Govt – and that too now – RSS should Target BJP ruled… pic.twitter.com/ZHDeSqi16h
— trramesh (@trramesh) November 5, 2024
Ramesh’s stance aligns with a larger movement among Hindu rights groups calling for independent management boards, similar to the Waqf Board for Muslim properties. Proponents argue that such boards would protect temple assets, safeguard religious practices, and prevent mismanagement. The Madras High Court has recently proposed a similar system for managing church properties, with oversight comparable to that of the Waqf Board.
Calls to establish a “Dharma Rakshana Board” to oversee Hindu temples have gained traction across India. This proposed board would follow agamic traditions and ensure Hindu temples are managed according to religious protocols. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has supported this idea, noting that a board with robust safeguards could help preserve the sanctity and assets of temples.
Ramesh, however, has cautioned against selective government intervention. He emphasised that the independence of temple administration should be applied uniformly across states to avoid discrimination. “Both [Naidu and Kalyan] have the power to change this unconstitutional and anti-Hindu practice in TTD,” he said, questioning whether they would be willing to relinquish control over a temple of such vast importance and resources.
The debate over Hindu temple management has intensified in recent years, with advocates like Ramesh arguing that the secular governance enshrined in the Constitution demands a separation between religious institutions and state interference. He and others point to the historical role of temples in Hindu society and the importance of maintaining their autonomy.
Ramesh has pledged to move forward with his writ petition, seeking to challenge the government’s involvement in TTD. He hopes that his petition will spark broader changes across India, paving the way for Hindu temples to operate without state control. As his call for action resonates, many are watching to see if the movement for temple independence will gain further momentum.
While the AP government maintains that its involvement in TTD affairs ensures regional representation and financial transparency, activists argue that only a fully autonomous temple board can genuinely respect the traditional values of Hinduism and protect its assets.
