News Brief
Andhra CM N Chandrababu Naidu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu stated on Friday (21 March) that employment at the Tirumala Temple should be reserved exclusively for Hindus.
He added that if individuals from other communities work at the temple, they will be relocated without hurting their sentiments.
"Only Hindus should be employed at the Tirumala Temple. If individuals from other religions are currently working there, they will be relocated to other places without hurting their sentiments," the Andhra Pradesh CM was quoted as saying by ANI.
Naidu also announced plans to build Venkateswara Swamy temples in every state capital across the country.
The order barred the 18 employees – all Christians who worked as lecturers, hostel workers, office subordinates, engineers, helpers, nurses and other paramedical staff in various institutions run by TTD – from attending all religious and spiritual events organised by the board.
During a TTD trust board meeting on 18 November last year, it was resolved that non-Hindus working in the temple administration in various capacities would be surrendered to the government.