TIRUPATI: Responding to the AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi’s statement on implementation of Hindu-only policy in appointments of TTD board members and non-Muslims in Waqf Board by the NDA, TTD board chairman BR Naidu termed the attempt to draw parallels between the TTD and Waqf Board fundamentally flawed and baseless.
In a pointed response on Monday, Naidu characterised the Waqf Board as essentially a real estate operation, distinctly different from Tirumala’s status as a sacred Hindu temple. Naidu also addressed ongoing calls to employ only Hindus in the temple, stating, “There have been demands for many years that non-Hindus should not be in Tirumala. It is not my personal opinion. Sanatana Dharma says only Hindus should be there. We are working on that and will decide in the first board meeting.”
The chairman’s remarks followed Owaisi’s criticism of proposed changes to the Waqf Act that would add non-Muslim members to the Central Waqf Council. The AIMIM leader argued that if TTD exclusively maintains Hindu membership, the Waqf Board should similarly remain exclusively Muslim.
The dispute emerged against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about non-Hindu employment at the temple, with Naidu indicating this matter would be addressed in an upcoming TTD board meeting. He had previously suggested that non-Hindu employees might be transferred to other departments or offered voluntary retirement.
The controversy is tied to broader reforms proposed in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which aims to strengthen oversight of waqf properties through digital initiatives, and legal safeguards.