Owaisi Slams Naidu Over TTD’s Action on Non-Hindu Staff, Questions TDP’s Waqf Bill Stand

GG News Bureau
Hyderabad, 6th Feb. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has challenged Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu over the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) decision to take action against its non-Hindu employees. Owaisi also questioned the Telugu Desam Party’s (TDP) support for the BJP-led Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which mandates the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Owaisi pointed out the contradiction between TTD’s insistence on Hindu-only employment and the Waqf Bill’s provision requiring at least two non-Muslims in Muslim religious bodies. He highlighted that the Andhra Pradesh Hindu Endowments Act prohibits non-Hindus from holding key positions such as Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Inspector, Trustee, or Executive Officer.

“If only Hindus should govern Hindu Endowments, and only Hindus should be employees, then why this discrimination against Muslim Waqfs?” Owaisi asked. He argued that the new Waqf Bill could lead to a non-Muslim majority in Waqf Boards, as members will now be nominated by the government instead of being elected. “The government is very capable of having a non-Muslim majority Waqf Board,” he added.

The controversy erupted after TTD identified 18 employees allegedly practicing non-Hindu religions while working at the institution. The Sri Venkateswara temple management stated that these employees had violated their oath to follow Hindu traditions.

A memo issued by TTD on February 1 confirmed that disciplinary action had been initiated, barring the employees from participating in religious activities. Some may face transfers to other government departments or voluntary retirement.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh defended the move, stating that it reflected the official stance of the TDP-led NDA government. “There is no second thought about it. We spoke about it before the elections, and we stand by it,” he said.

Comparing the decision to rules in mosques where non-Muslims are generally not allowed to serve in religious roles, Lokesh insisted that the government would fight any legal challenge to TTD’s policy.

The TDP has also accused the previous YSR Congress government of appointing non-Hindus to TTD, alleging that such decisions hurt Hindu sentiments.