If reports from the corridors of power in Amaravati are to be believed, Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has decided not to go ahead with witch-hunting of retired head priest of Tirumala temple Ramana Deekshitulu.
Instead, Naidu is said to have decided to let the courts decide what is to be done in case of Deekshitulu and hereditary priesthood.
“The chief minister has felt that the whole controversy over Tirumala temple administration and allegations of missing jewellery have arisen only because of the decision of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to enforce retirement age for priests, in order to remove Ramana Deekshitulu.
Had he been continued as priest, he would not have made such sensational allegations damaging the reputation of the TTD, as well the state government,” source said.
Now that Deekshitulu has decided move the Supreme Court challenging the TTD decision to enforce retirement age, the chief minister reportedly suggested to the TTD to create any fuss.
“It is unlikely that the court will revoke his retirement, but might ask the TTD to continue the hereditary priesthood. But, if the court wants Deekshitulu to be restored as priest, let us not oppose it,” Naidu is learnt to have told the TTD officials.
That would not only restore his personal image as well as that of the TTD, but also satisfy the demands of the Hindu seers of various mutts. It would also silence the opposition parties!
