BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Home has demanded an investigation into reports that nearly 1,000 non-Hindus are still working in the Tirumala Tirupati temple administration, despite earlier removals and transfers.
TIRUMALA/TELANGANA – A fresh controversy has erupted in Telangana over allegations that non-Hindu employees continue to work within the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the trust that manages the affairs of the Tirumala temple. BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Home, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, has called for an official inquiry, claiming that nearly 1,000 non-Hindu staff members remain employed by the temple administration.
The issue resurfaced on Friday following Sanjay’s visit to the Tirumala temple on his birthday. Addressing the media, he raised concerns over what he described as a violation of the temple’s religious sanctity.
“This is not about hate or politics — it’s about preserving the religious character of a sacred site,” Sanjay stated.
“I want to ask the people of this country—can Hindus get jobs in mosques or churches? Then why should temples be treated differently?”
He further added, “TTD is not a place for political games. Its mission must be clear – promote temples in Telugu-speaking states, protect traditions, and assign responsibilities only to Hindus. TTD is not private property; it belongs to Hindus and must be managed with religious sensitivity.”
The BJP leader’s comments come at a time when Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who took office recently, has already stated that only Hindu staff should work at Tirumala temple. In a previous statement, Naidu said that “non-Hindu employees should be respectfully transferred to other government departments.”
Despite this, the issue refuses to die down. In February this year, 18 non-Hindu employees were dismissed by the TTD for violating internal guidelines. In July, another high-profile action was taken when the Assistant Executive Officer A. Rajasekhar Babu was removed from service after attending Christian prayer meetings. The TTD said that Babu had violated its code of conduct by participating in activities that contradicted the principles expected from temple staff.
The TTD is one of the richest and most visited temple trusts in the world. It manages the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, which draws lakhs of devotees every year. Given the temple’s religious significance, strict internal guidelines are in place to preserve its traditions.
According to TTD rules, any employee who does not follow Hindu religious practices is expected to disclose their faith and is generally not allowed to serve in key positions within the temple premises. This rule has been defended by those who believe that temple workers must not only be familiar with but also respect the customs and rituals they are part of.
TTD insiders, however, say that over the years, recruitment processes became less strict, especially during periods of political instability, which may have led to people of other faiths joining the workforce.
An official at the TTD, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “The guidelines are clear. But somewhere down the line, these got diluted. Now we are facing questions that should have never come up if rules had been followed properly.”
Bandi Sanjay’s statements have not come without political implications. Several opposition parties and activists have accused the BJP of using the temple issue to stir up religious tensions.
However, many Hindus across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, especially regular visitors to the temple, have voiced support for his demand. One devotee, Ramakrishna Reddy, who was in Tirumala with his family, said: “We expect the people working in such a holy place to believe in the same god we are here to worship. It’s not about discrimination. It’s about trust.”
Another pilgrim, Annapurna Devi, said: “We’re not saying others should be punished. They can work in other places. But not here. This is not just a building, this is the home of our Lord.”
Some even took to social media in support of Sanjay Kumar’s demand, using hashtags such as #RespectTirumalaTraditions and #HinduTemplesForHindus.
However, others warned against turning religious institutions into political battlegrounds. A professor of political science at Osmania University, who wished not to be named, commented: “Temple management is a sensitive issue. Mixing politics with religion can backfire. What’s needed is a transparent system that follows rules, not rhetoric.”
The TTD has not issued any fresh statement following Bandi Sanjay’s comments. However, earlier, a senior TTD official had clarified that the trust is already acting against those who violate its religious guidelines.
In a press briefing last month, TTD Executive Officer Dharma Reddy had said: “Our code of conduct is very clear. If any employee is found to have broken these rules, necessary steps are taken. We are committed to preserving the sanctity of Tirumala.”
He added that the process of background verification of employees has been intensified and that future appointments would be made strictly based on adherence to temple guidelines.
Legal experts suggest that the entire debate could be avoided if the state legislature passes clear laws regarding eligibility for employment in religious institutions.
Advocate S. Rajender, a Hyderabad-based constitutional lawyer, said: “Religious freedom is protected by the Constitution. But when it comes to managing places of worship, state laws can provide specific rules. The issue with TTD arises because the rules are internal. There is no state law clearly stating who can and cannot work there. That grey area leads to confusion.”
He added that such issues can become a flashpoint if not handled with care. “Religious belief is a deeply personal matter. But when someone is expected to perform duties in a place of worship, their beliefs may impact how they carry out their work.”
With elections in several states around the corner and the BJP keen on increasing its footprint in southern India, the issue is likely to be used as a talking point in public rallies and party meetings. Sanjay Kumar, a prominent face of the BJP in Telangana, has already stated that he would continue to raise this matter “till justice is done”.
The state government, meanwhile, is under pressure to respond with clear action. A senior official from the Endowments Department, which oversees temple affairs, told reporters: “We have already begun a review of postings and will ensure that no rules are violated. Any remaining cases will be dealt with in accordance with departmental guidelines.”
For now, though, the situation remains tense, and what began as a local employment issue has grown into a matter of public debate, pitting questions of religious rights against institutional practices.
As the issue unfolds, it raises wider questions not just about one temple, but about how secular values and religious traditions are balanced in one of the world’s most religiously diverse democracies.
