Former chief priest of Tirumala temple Ramana Deekshitulu alleged that the Andhra Pradesh government’s action in removing him and three other priests from the service of the temple was “illegal” and “arbitrary”. The former chief priest called on Opposition Leader and YSR Congress president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy who came to the city on Thursday afternoon and explained to him about the government’s action. Mr. Deekshitulu drew flak from the ruling party members for his criticism of the State Government and the TTD Board on the motives behind closure of the temple kitchen (Potu) for 25 days against the provisions of the Aagama Shastra.
Mr. Jagan is understood to have given a patient hearing to the issues raised by Mr. Deekshitulu and reportedly assured him of justice to the temple priests. Emerging out of the meeting, Mr. Deekshitulu said though he sought the appointment of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu more than once, he was denied audience with him. He called on the Opposition Leader to brief him about the developments in the TTD board and seek his help.