Naidu to meet members of all temple trust boards

Unhappy over controversies at Kanaka Durga temple

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is believed to be of the opinion that a few members are tarnishing the image of the government.

The State government has taken a serious view of the developments in the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam, which is located close to the seat of power.

The temple Trust Board members’ alleged misconduct and high-handed behaviour is showing a cascading effect on other boards.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is “contemplating meeting” members of all boards at the Grievance hall (Praja Vedika) near his residence shortly, sources say.

‘Discipline important’

Mr. Naidu summoned Kanaka Durga temple chairman Y. Gouranga Babu over a sari donated by a devotee that went untraced. Board member Kodela Surya Latha was removed but the Chief Minister is “not satisfied” and is believed to be of the opinion that a few members are tarnishing the image of the government. Stating that discipline is of utmost importance, the Chief Minister, sources say, wants to the members.

‘Tantrik rituals’

The Kanaka Durga temple caught the attention of the Chief Minister following a series of issues. Even before the issue of tantrik rituals performed at the temple subsided, a dispute between a board member and barbers rocked the State.

Barbers’ issue

Trust board member E. Penchalaiah stopped some relatives of the barbers when they were entering the temple for darshan without ticket. The barbers alleged that the member had abused them by caste and that he slapped a barber. And now the controversy over the silk sari.

The Trust Board was unaware of the happenings when the tantric rituals issue hit headlines. In the other two incidents, the members were held guilty.

Sri Durga Malleswara Swamyvarla Devasthanam in Vijayawada, Sri Venkateswara Swamyvari Devasthanam, Dwaraka Tirumala; Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamyvari Devasthanam, Annavaranm,Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamyvari Devasthanam, Simhachalam; Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam, Srisailam; Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamyvari Devasthanam, Sri Kalahasti; Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamyvari Devasthanam, Kanipakam are some of the big temples with regard to income after the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

The government constituted Trust Boards to some of these temples such as Kanaka Durga, Kanipakam, Annavaram etc. “Constitution of Trust Board is likely to be delayed in the wake of the developments,” sources say.