TTD Board Member Urges Karnataka to Scrap 30-Year Choultry Deal with KSTDC
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Tirupati, Oct 11 : Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board Member G Bhanu Prakash Reddy has urged the Karnataka Chief Minister to withdraw the Cabinet decision and cancel the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) proposing to hand over the operation and management of the Karnataka State Choultry at Tirumala to the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) for 30 years.
In a representation to the Chief Minister, Reddy strongly opposed the proposal, alleging that it violated the lease conditions, statutory provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowments Act, 1987, and the charitable purpose for which the property was allotted.
He said the 6.47-acre property belonged to TTD and had been leased to the Karnataka Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department for 30 years, from April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2050, at a nominal annual ground rent of Rs 2.30 per square foot.
The land was allotted exclusively to provide accommodation for Karnataka pilgrims visiting Lord Venkateswara, and the lease did not permit its transfer or subletting to a commercial entity, he contended.
Objecting to the proposed 50:50 profit-sharing arrangement with KSTDC, Reddy said the move would commercialise a charitable facility intended to serve pilgrims.
He also expressed concern that the proposed hotel-style operations and the reservation of 50 per cent of certain accommodation blocks through departmental recommendation letters could restrict access for ordinary pilgrims.
Reddy urged the Karnataka government to withdraw Cabinet Note No. C. 237/2026, cancel the MoU dated October 1, 2026, and stop the proposed physical handover of the premises. He called for the choultry to continue operating directly under the state's Muzrai Department as a non-profit charitable facility for devotees.
Copies of the representation were also submitted to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary and the TTD Executive Officer for necessary action.
