The Chandrababu government has dealt a significant blow to the Sharada Peetham, withdrawing land previously allocated to the organization in Visakhapatnam by the former YSR Congress administration. In a decisive move, the coalition government has instructed TTD officials in Andhra Pradesh to immediately halt all illegal construction activities undertaken by Sharada Peetham in Tirumala. This action presents a considerable challenge for the controversial figure, Swaroopanandendra Swamiji, amidst the current political climate.
Back in February 2005, when Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy was Chief Minister, Sharada Peetham received a 30-year lease for 5,000 square feet of land located in the Gogarbham reservoir area of Tirumala. TTD officials advised the management of Sharada Peetham to adhere strictly to established regulations regarding construction. However, allegations have surfaced claiming that the management has engaged in unauthorized construction activities in the Tirumala region.
Reports indicate that Sharada Peetham has been building structures without following the permits granted by TTD. Critics have pointed fingers at TTD engineering officials for failing to act on these violations. During Chandrababu’s previous administration, it has been suggested that TTD board members ignored the illegal constructions associated with Sharada Peetham, inadvertently granting the management another chance to address these issues.
Since Y.S. Jagan took office, it has been revealed that Sharada Peetham resumed unauthorized construction in Tirumala, reportedly erecting a new structure on TTD land adjacent to an already existing building. Allegations have emerged that the management disregarded TTD regulations entirely, with claims suggesting that the former TTD Chairman, Y.V. Subba Reddy, provided tacit approval for these illegal activities.
Under Y.S. Jagan’s leadership, TTD engineering officials reportedly lacked the courage to confront the illegal constructions by Sharada Peetham. However, with the return of the Chandrababu government, a firm stance has been adopted against the organization. Notably, the Jagan administration had previously reclaimed 15 acres of land granted to Sharada Peetham in Bhimili, Visakhapatnam district. Now, the Chandrababu-led coalition has instructed TTD officials to put an end to the unauthorized construction activities by Sharada Peetham in Tirumala, igniting significant discussions in the media and public discourse.