Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced the formation of a special trust to mobilise funds for constructing temples dedicated to Lord Venkateswara in villages across the state where no such temples exist.
Speaking to the media in Tirumala after offering prayers at the temple, Naidu said this initiative would be the third major programme following Anna Danam (food distribution) introduced by the late NT Rama Rao and Prana Danam (life donation) launched under his leadership. He emphasised that the trust would be created solely for religious service.
The Chief Minister criticised the previous government for permitting commercial projects near the temple premises. He pointed out that approvals had been granted to Mumtaz, Emaar, and Devlok hotels for projects covering 35.32 acres of land near the Hills. Stating that such developments compromised the sanctity of Tirumala, he announced the revocation of these permissions and reiterated that no commercial activity would be allowed in the area.
Naidu assured that the funds raised through the trust would be utilised transparently. He also warned of strict action against those illegally occupying lands belonging to Lord Venkateswara.
Marking his grandson Devansh’s birthday, Naidu, accompanied by his family, visited the temple and personally distributed food to devotees at the Anna Vitharana Kendram. He said serving food to devotees at Tirumala on Devansh’s birthday had become a family tradition. Recalling the Anna Danam scheme introduced by NTR, he described it as a great service to humanity and said Prana Danam was initiated to continue this legacy.
Reaffirming that all Seven Hills belong entirely to Lord Venkateswara, the Chief Minister stressed that the sacred site must not be used for commercial purposes.
Referring to the 2003 assassination attempt on him involving 24 claymore mines, he attributed his survival to divine protection.
“If all the claymore mines had exploded, survival would have been impossible. It was only due to Lord Venkateswara’s blessings that I am alive today,” he said.
Naidu urged Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) employees to dedicate themselves to preserving the sanctity of the temple and reiterated that only Hindus should be employed in TTD, assuring that individuals of other faiths would be given opportunities elsewhere.
As part of a broader vision, he announced plans to construct Lord Venkateswara temples in capital cities across India and in foreign countries with significant Hindu populations. He said efforts would soon be made to coordinate with other Chief Ministers to facilitate the initiative.
