TTD Ignores Tirumala VIP Darshan Letters From Telangana 

Tirupati: Lord Balaji's temple in Tirumala is often referred to as one of the richest temples in India and people from all over the country throng the seven hills to seek blessings from Lord Venkateswara. Even after the state's bifurcation, many of the devotees from Telangana visit the temple, which is always crowded during the weekends, festivals and holidays.

To avoid heavy crowd, many of the people opt for letters from VIPs and VVIPs. These are issued by ministers and other legislative members. But after bifurcation, the whole process was changed completely by the TTD Board. Though the board is permitting devotees to get the VIP darshan,it is planning to avoid VIP darshan on weekends recommended by the politicians due to the heavy rush on the hill shrine.

On public holidays and weekends, the letters given by the AP bureaucrats are being screened strictly and only a few people are being sent inside for darshan. As for devotees from Telangana carrying letters given by Telangana leaders, the scenario is vastly different. The letters issued by the Telangana state seemed to have no sanctity on these restricted days.

Speaking on the issue, a secretarial staff member of a Telangana minister said that they have minimised the issuing of letters for darshan on weekends and public holidays. He also said that only one letter from one minister is being issued in a day. "We are also noting down the date of the letter issue to avoid confusion," he said.

He also stressed that only letters recommended by Assembly speaker, Council chairman and Telangana bureaucrats will be accepted and that too on regular days. The letters issued by the Telangana MLA's will be not considered for VIP darshan, he added. Earlier, cabinet ministers had to intervene in the matter.