Former MLA Malladi Vishnu blames coalition govt for security lapses at temples

Former MLA Malladi Vishnu of the YSR Congress Party sharply criticized the coalition government for failing to protect the sanctity of Hindu temples across the state. Speaking to the media, he condemned the recent incident at the Tirumala Govindarajaswamy Temple, where a drunk individual climbed the temple tower and damaged sacred idols. Vishnu alleged that negligence on the part of the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) machinery allowed the incident to occur.

Vishnu described the attack on the temple’s gopuram and idols as a “serious security lapse,” highlighting that devotees’ safety had been largely ignored, with TTD focusing only on VIP services. He further criticized the government for failing to provide basic facilities to pilgrims during major festivals like Vaikunta Ekadashi, and noted that telling devotees to avoid temples has hurt their sentiments.

According to Vishnu, a series of unfortunate incidents have taken place in temples since Chandrababu Naidu’s tenure. He claimed that false publicity surrounding issues such as adulteration in the famous Tirupati laddu prasadam contributed to these problems. He also pointed to incidents during Vaikunta Ekadashi at temples in Srikalahasti, Simhachalam, and Kashi Bugga, as well as prolonged power outages at the Kanakadurgamma temple, as evidence of government inefficiency.

He further alleged that the attack on the Shiva Linga at Draksharama was ignored because the accused was affiliated with the Telugu Desam Party. Vishnu expressed concern that temples currently lack proper security and that the quality of prasadam has declined. He demanded that the government provide a clear response to the Govindarajaswamy Temple incident to reassure devotees.

The incident occurred late Friday night, when a visibly intoxicated man entered the temple after the lone priest’s service and climbed the gopuram, causing chaos. TTD vigilance staff and Tirupati East police arrived promptly and repeatedly urged him to come down. When he refused, the situation escalated.

The standoff lasted approximately three hours, until police and fire personnel reached the gopuram with ladders and brought the man under control. He was safely taken down and handed over to Tirupati East police.

Police identified the suspect as a resident of Kurmawada Peddamalla Reddy Colony in Nizamabad, Telangana. Officials said he had entered the temple after it was closed and slightly damaged the kalashas and electrical lamps atop the gopuram. During negotiations, he reportedly demanded alcohol to come down. Authorities suspect he may have mental health issues.

The incident has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of TTD’s vigilance system. Devotees expressed concern that the ease with which a drunken individual accessed the temple exposed glaring security gaps, undermining trust in temple management.