Chandrababu Naidu bats for 'only Hindu' employees at Tirumala Temple
What's the story
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has suggested that employment at the Tirumala Temple be restricted to Hindus.
"If individuals from other religions are currently working there, they will be relocated to other places without hurting their sentiments," Naidu said, as per ANI.
His statement follows an earlier comment from TTD Board Chairman BR Naidu on October 31, calling for Hindu-only staffing at the temple.
Expansion plans
Plans for Venkateswara temples nationwide
Naidu also announced that Venkateswara Swamy temples would be built in all state capitals after visiting the Tirumala Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple.
Letters would be sent to all CMs to turn this vision into reality, he said.
Naidu also talked about an increasing demand among devotees to have such temples overseas, especially in Hindu-populated areas.
"I was targeted with 24 Claymore mines. Surviving such an attack was impossible, but I lived....due to divine grace of Lord Venkateswara," he said.
Anti-commercialization
Naidu revokes hotel approval near Seven Hills
Commenting on the issue of commercial establishments around the Seven Hills of Tirumala, he said that the government had previously approved the Mumtaz Hotel next to it.
"However, the government has now decided to cancel the approval for the hotel, which was planned on 35.32 acres of land," he said.