TIRUPATI: A controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh after devotees were found eating egg biryani at the Tirumala Tirupati temple premises. The incident occurred at the Alipiri checkpoint, where devotees from Tamil Nadu were consuming biryani. Opposition parties in Andhra Pradesh, including the YSRCP, have criticized the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which oversees temple operations, alleging a security lapse.
It must be noted that the consumption of non-vegetarian food, alcohol, smoking cigarettes and tobacco is strictly prohibited in Tirumala. The controversy erupted after devotees from Tamil Nadu were seen eating egg biryani at the Rambagicha bus stand on Friday. Nearby devotees who noticed the incident informed the Tirumala police. Upon questioning, the devotees claimed ignorance of the rules and apologized, requesting forgiveness. Following this, the police issued a stern warning and let them go.
Former TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy criticized the TTD authorities over the incident, calling it a clear failure of the security system. He alleged that it was a serious lapse that devotees managed to bring eggs into the premises despite stringent checks at the Alipiri checkpoint.
Tirupati MP Dr M Gurumoorthy also expressed concern over the incident. He questioned the sincerity of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in streamlining the responsibilities of the TTD.