TTD Chairman faces mounting criticism over Goshala controversy

BR Naidu, Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), is facing intense criticism over allegations of mismanagement at the TTD-run Sri Venkateswara Gosamrakshanasala (Goshala), where several cows reportedly died due to negligence. The controversy, initially raised by former TTD Chairman and YSRCP leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, has snowballed into a major political storm, with opposition leaders and devotees demanding accountability and transparency.

Negligence at the Goshala

The controversy erupted on April 11, 2025, when Bhumana Karunakar Reddy alleged that nearly 100 cows had died over the past three months due to poor maintenance and neglect at the Goshala. Reddy criticized the TTD administration for downplaying the issue by attributing the deaths to old age. He also questioned the appointment of a Divisional Forest Officer—without veterinary expertise—to oversee the facility, calling it a glaring example of administrative mismanagement.

Reddy’s allegations were backed by photographs of deceased cows, which he presented during a press conference. He accused the TTD and the Andhra Pradesh government of attempting to obscure the facts by providing conflicting figures. Reddy demanded a comprehensive, independent investigation to safeguard the sanctity of Tirumala and restore public faith in the institution.

TTD’s response and Counter-allegations

In response, TTD Chairman BR Naidu dismissed the allegations as “baseless and politically motivated.” On April 14, he clarified that 43 cows had died between January and March 2025—figures consistent with natural mortality due to old age or illness—and noted that 59 calves were also born during the same period. Naidu accused Reddy of politicizing a sacred institution and deflecting attention from alleged irregularities during his own tenure.

TTD Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao supported Naidu’s statement, accusing Reddy of tarnishing TTD’s image. Rao disclosed that a vigilance probe into Reddy’s chairmanship (2021–2024) revealed serious lapses, including the use of expired veterinary drugs, maggot-infested fodder, and poor hygiene at the Goshala. He also alleged that Reddy used doctored images in his campaign and stated that legal action may be taken.

Broader concerns

The controversy has deeply unsettled devotees, particularly given the religious and cultural reverence accorded to cows in Hinduism. Concerns have also surfaced regarding broader issues within TTD’s administration, including staff shortages and an over-reliance on volunteers for essential operations.

BR Naidu, who assumed the chairmanship amid high expectations, is now under fire not only for the Goshala controversy but also for perceived administrative shortcomings. His earlier proposal to declare Tirumala a no-fly zone to protect its sanctity has now taken a backseat in the face of growing public scrutiny.

The TTD Trust Board has initiated a vigilance inquiry into the cow deaths, while Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh has condemned the allegations as “malicious propaganda.” However, with Bhumana Karunakar Reddy standing firm and demanding an independent probe, the issue shows no signs of fading.

As the controversy deepens, it threatens to erode public trust in TTD’s leadership and may have broader political implications for the TDP-led government.