TIRUPATI: The Law Department of the Tirumala Tirupati Devathanams (TTD) on Wednesday issued legal notices to ousted chief priest AV Ramana Deekshithulu and YSR Congress MP V Vijaya Sai Reddy seeking explanation over the recent allegations made by the duo against its administration.
It may be recalled that during separate press conferences Ramana Deekshitulu alleged that some jewels of Lord Venkateswara went missing and also made remarks against some of the officials working in the TTD. After his ouster from the chief priest’s post, Ramana Deekshitulu raised the issues of missing jewels, digging up of Potu and several others which led to major controversy.
The issue took a political turn with the Opposition parties criticising the TDP government for the irregularities and the ruling party hitting back saying BJP and YSRC are trying to meddle with the affairs of the TTD to gain political mileage.
At another press conference, Vijayasai Reddy, alleged that the missing jewels of TTD were with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s possession and even apprehended that the jewels might be smuggled abroad.
In the notices, the TTD is understood to have said that all the officials have discharged their duties as per its rules and regulations and sought to know from Ramana Deekshitulu and Vijayasai Reddy as to what the violations were that took place in the administration and specify them.
The TTD’s Public Relations Department confirmed sending notices based on the decision of the TTD Trust Board.
Vijayasai Reddy and family members of Ramana Deekshitulu, however, said they have not yet received any notices from the TTD.
Caveat in Supreme Court
Meanwhile, the chief priests of Tirumala Temple Venugopala Deekshitulu and Govindarajulu Deekshitulu filed a caveat petition in the Supreme Court where the case related to removal of Ramana Deekshitulu as Chief Priest is being heard.
The chief priests’s counsel EV Venugopal told TNIE that they had field the caveat appealing that they be informed about any challenges or objections to their appointment as chief priests by any person/individuals. The caveat was filed so that counsel of Venugopala Deekshitulu and Govindaraju Deekshitulu can represent the petitioners to express their view in case of any objections raised against their appointment.