Tirumala: A group of devotees from Tamil Nadu sparked controversy at Tirumala after recording reels with a political poster outside the Srivari Temple. As a result, the incident drew strong criticism from devotees across states.
According to officials, the devotees displayed a flex banner featuring AIADMK leaders, including former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and party leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami. They posed with the banner and recorded videos in front of the temple premises. Later, they uploaded the reels on social media, which quickly went viral.
Meanwhile, devotees questioned how such an act occurred despite strict rules on Tirumala hill. They alleged that authorities failed to prevent political activities in a sacred space. Moreover, many demanded tighter monitoring to protect the sanctity of the shrine.
Following the public outrage, TTD officials responded to the incident. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams confirmed that the violation had come to their notice. Officials said the devotees not only displayed a political banner but also created reels and shared them online.
Furthermore, the TTD Chief Public Relations Officer stated that political posters and publicity remain strictly banned on Tirumala hill. He added that officials will initiate legal action against those involved in the violation.
Overall, the incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of temple rules. Devotees insist that authorities must act firmly to prevent misuse of the holy site and preserve its spiritual atmosphere.
