New Delhi:
Aimim’s head, Asaduddin Owaisi, has challenged Andhra Pradesh, Prime Minister N Chandrababu Naidu about Tirumala Tumupati Devasthanams (TTD )’s decision to act against his non -Hindu employees. Owaisi questioned why the Telugu Desam (TDP) party of Mr. Naidu supported the WAQF (amendment) bill of the BJP, 2024, which requires the inclusion of non -Muslims in the Central Council of WAQF and the WAQF state boards.
In a series of publications on X (previously Twitter), Owaisi said that while TTD insists on Employment only Hindu, the WAQF bill demands at least two non -Muslims in Muslim religious bodies. He cited the Hindu endowment law of Andhra Pradesh, which restricts the non -Hindus of occupying positions such as the commissioner, the assistant commissioner, the inspector, the fiduciary or the executive officer.
“If only Hindus govern Hindu endowments, and only Hindus should be employed, why this discrimination against Muslim Waqfs?” Mr. Owaisi asked.
It is reported that Tirumala Tumupati Devasthanams has identified 18 employees who do not follow the Hindu traditions or are not Hindus. TTD argues that, since it is a Hindu institution, it should not be used by it. We have no objection to it. But @Ncbn ought…
– Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) February 5, 2025
He said that according to the new bill, the majority of WAQF Board members could be non -Muslims, since they will now be nominated by the Government instead of being elected. “The Government is very capable of having a WAQF Board of the non -Muslim majority,” Owaisi added.
TTD action
The controversy broke out after TTD identified 18 employees who allegedly practiced non -Hindu religions while working in the institution. TTD, who manages the Sri Venkateswara temple, declared that these employees had violated their oath to follow Hindu traditions.
According to a memorandum issued by TTD on February 1, disciplinary measures were initiated. Employees have been forbidden to participate in religious activities, and some may face transfers to other government departments or voluntary retirement.
TDP defends the decision
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh defended the TTD movement, stating that she reflected the official position of the NDA government led by TDP.
“There is no great thought about it. We talk about that before the elections, and we maintain it,” Lokesh said.
He compared the decision with the rules in the mosques, where non -Muslims cannot serve in religious abilities. Lokesh also insisted that the government would fight against any legal challenge to TTD’s policy.
The TDP has accused the previous government of the YSR Congress of appointing non -Hindus for TTD, claiming that this movement harmed Hindu feelings.
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