AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced plans to reform the VIP culture at Tirumala, emphasizing the need for convenience for regular devotees and reducing disruptions caused by VIPs. He stressed that the sacred atmosphere of Tirumala should be preserved and that nothing but the chants of “Govinda” should echo on the hill.
This reform comes as a reaction to the YSRCP government’s practices over the past five years, which saw a sharp increase in VIP and VVIP privileges, affecting the common devotee’s ability to have a smooth Srivari Darshan. During the YSRCP tenure (2019-2024), the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) board reportedly issued up to 20 VIP passes daily for each YSRCP MLA.
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Each VIP pass allowed at least four individuals, and in some cases, even more, leading to congestion and extended waiting times for regular devotees. Former ministers like Peddi Reddy and RK Roja were accused of abusing this provision, often taking groups of 50 people for VIP darshan.
There were also allegations that some of these VIP darshans were monetized, with Roja allegedly collecting substantial sums from individuals seeking this privileged access. CBN has expressed his intent to limit this VIP culture, though no specific guidelines or instructions have been provided yet.
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The goal is to ensure that regular devotees have a better chance to complete their darshan without unnecessary delays caused by the influx of VIP visitors. While certain protocols will remain mandatory for high-profile dignitaries such as the President, Prime Minister, Governor, and the Chief Justices of India and State Apex Courts, other VIP privileges may be curtailed.
If implemented effectively, these reforms could significantly enhance the experience of common devotees by reducing the influence of VIPs and streamlining the darshan process at Tirumala.
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