After constituting the prestigious Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust board, headed by media baron B R Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is now facing immense pressure from various quarters to appoint a chairman for the Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel (SVBC).
Reports within party circles suggest that both Pawan Kalyan and Nandamuri Balakrishna are lobbying for their preferred candidates for the SVBC chairman post.
Since SVBC is affiliated with the TTD, the chairman position holds significant power and influence in Tirumala.
In addition to the SVBC chairman role, there is also strong demand for other prominent positions such as Chief Executive Officer, Advisor, and Chief Advisor, according to sources.
During Chandrababu Naidu’s previous tenure (2014-2019), renowned Tollywood director K. Raghavendra Rao served as SVBC Chairman.
After the YSRCP assumed power in 2019, actor Prudhvi Raj was appointed to the role but was later removed following allegations. The position was subsequently held by Sai Krishna Yachendra.
Currently, sources indicate that Naidu is considering several prominent names from the film industry, including Murali Mohan, Ashwini Dutt, and Rajendra Prasad, for the SVBC chairman post.
Simultaneously, Pawan Kalyan and Balakrishna have also reportedly recommended candidates. Balakrishna is said to have suggested a veteran figure from the film industry.
A decision regarding the SVBC chairman appointment is expected in the first week of December.
Meanwhile, there is also intense lobbying for the chairman post of the Sri Venkateswara Employees Training Academy (SVETA).
Jana Sena leaders from Tirupati are hopeful of securing the position, while BJP leaders are also vying for posts within SVETA, sources added.
