Andhra Pradesh Government Revamps TTD Trust Board; Bollineni Rajagopal Naidu Appointed as Chairman

The Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday announced a complete overhaul of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) trust board, appointing media entrepreneur and philanthropist Bollineni Rajagopal Naidu as the new chairman. A government order outlined that the newly constituted 24-member board, led by B.R. Naidu, will be responsible for overseeing the governance of the prestigious Tirumala shrine, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India.

The newly appointed board comprises an impressive array of representatives from political, judicial, and business sectors, reflecting both state and national diversity. Notable political figures include three Telugu Desam MLAs—Jyothula Nehru from Jaggampeta, Vemireddy Prasanthi Reddy from Kovur, and MS Raju from Madakasira. Prasanthi Reddy, previously a YSR Congress nominee on the TTD board, has now rejoined the board under the TDP banner.

Prominent national figures such as former Union Minister Panabaka Lakshmi and Bharat Biotech co-founder Suchitra Ella are among the new appointees. Panabaka Lakshmi, who contested the recent Tirupati Lok Sabha by-election, will lend her experience to the board, while Suchitra Ella, a former board member, brings her expertise in industry leadership as the chair of CII’s southern region chapter and her CSR work at Bharat Biotech.

Additionally, art director Anand Sai, affiliated with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, has joined the board, as have members from various states, emphasizing the board’s geographical inclusivity. P. Ramamurthy and Krishna Murthy V. represent Tamil Nadu, while R.N. Darshan and Naresh Kumar hail from Karnataka. Saurabh H. Bora from Maharashtra and Adit Desai from Gujarat are also included. Notably, Krishna Murthy and Saurabh Bora served on the TTD board during the YSR Congress regime.

Other key members include Justice H.L. Datt from Karnataka, Telangana’s Nannuri Narsi Reddy, TDP leader Bungunuru Mahender Reddy, and Anugolu Rangasri, a founding member of Jana Sena. Anand Sai, Mahender Reddy, and Rangasri are believed to have been recommended by Pawan Kalyan, strengthening the board’s connection with influential figures from various political backgrounds.

The newly reconstituted board is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the administration of TTD, ensuring its operations reflect the values and aspirations of devotees across India. The board’s collective expertise is anticipated to enhance the temple’s services and spiritual outreach, supporting TTD’s mission as a global pilgrimage center.