The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the famous Tirumala Temple, has taken action against 18 of its employees. These employees have been accused of practicing Christianity while they had promised to follow Hindu traditions. This decision was announced by TTD officials recently.
The 18 employees include lecturers, nurses, and other staff at various TTD-run institutions. They are now not allowed to attend religious events held by TTD. The temple authorities want to ensure that these employees are not working in or near the main temple or involved in religious activities.
The employees had made an oath to follow Hindu customs before an idol of Lord Venkateswara. However, they are reportedly still attending church services and carrying Bibles while on the job.
At a TTD meeting on November 18, 2024, the board decided that non-Hindus working in the temple should be either reassigned or offered a voluntary retirement scheme. They believe that because TTD is a Hindu institution, it should not employ non-Hindus. Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh supported this decision, stating that it should be carried out without hesitation. Even AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi agreed with TTD’s stance.
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