I am not a Christian, says new TTD chief

Putta Sudhakar Yadav, who has been named the new chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board, has clarified that he was not a Christian.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Mr. Yadav said there was a false propaganda against him that he belonged to the Christian faith and could not be appointed as chairman of the TTD.

“I am cent percent Hindu. I have been conducting dharmic (religious) activities. Hence, my name has been considered,” he said, adding, “being a politician, I have only attended a Christian function as a chief guest.”

Also, there was no truth in allegations that his relationship with Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu had helped him in securing the coveted post. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu wanted to give a chance to Backward Classes (BC) and Yadavas. Hence, the selection, he said.

“I will strive to develop Tirumala and provide better facilities to the common man,” he added.

His clarification comes in the wake of a storm on social media that the government was appointing a non-Hindu for the top post at the TTD. Some Hindu organisations objected to his appointment saying he was a Christian.

Mr. Yadav belongs to Kadapa district and is a close relative of the Finance Minister. The names of the board members are yet to be announced. The appointment comes nearly a year after the term of the previous TTD Trust Board chaired by former MLA Chadalavada Krishna Murthy expired on April 27, 2017.