BJP Alleges ₹100 Crore ‘Loot’ from Tirumala Temple Under Jagan’s Regime

A political storm has erupted in Andhra Pradesh following allegations that over ₹100 crore was siphoned from the Tirumala temple’s donation box during the tenure of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified the controversy by releasing CCTV footage purportedly showing the theft, accusing the previous government of misappropriating temple funds.

The Allegations and Evidence

BJP leader Bhanu Prakash Reddy, also a member of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, claimed that temple staffer CV Ravi Kumar stole foreign currency over several years, accumulating assets worth over ₹100 crore. Despite concrete video evidence, Kumar reportedly reached a settlement by donating properties worth ₹40 crore to TTD through the Lok Adalat court, raising suspicions about the missing funds. The Times of India

The BJP has shared this footage, alleging that the looted money was invested in real estate and diverted to Jagan Reddy’s residence in Tadepalli. These claims have intensified political tensions, with the BJP accusing the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of turning Andhra Pradesh into a “haven for thieves and looters.” Moneycontrol

Political Reactions and Counterclaims

Former TTD chairman and YSRCP leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter, refuting claims by TDP leader Nara Lokesh that the scam came to light during his tenure. He challenged the TDP to prove otherwise, even offering a dramatic statement of getting his head severed if proven wrong, and demanded a public apology from Lokesh. The Times of India

Bhumana denied collusion with the accused, questioning why former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who was in power during much of that time, failed to act. He highlighted the donation of properties worth ₹14 crore by the accused’s repentant family, a first in TTD history, which was approved through a formal board resolution. He criticized the government’s mudslinging and urged for a CBI probe, not a state-controlled CB-CID investigation, to uncover the truth. The Times of India

Implications for Devotees and Governance

The controversy has raised concerns about the sanctity of religious institutions and the management of temple funds. Devotees and the public are questioning the transparency and accountability of the TTD, which oversees the temple’s operations. The allegations have also brought to light issues related to governance and the handling of sacred funds, prompting calls for stricter oversight and reforms.

Conclusion

The Tirumala temple donation box scam has become a focal point in Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape, with serious allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption. As investigations continue, the need for transparency and accountability in managing religious institutions’ finances remains paramount to restore public trust and uphold the sanctity of sacred places.