The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has resolved to scrutinise recommendation letters submitted by dignitaries for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara, ahead of making any allotment.
The move comes in the wake of reports that the privileges being extended to the VIPs are being misused. Allegations have surfaced that several dignitaries personally take the pilgrim parties along with them for darshan in return for financial favours.
In an effort to contain the black-marketeering menace, the TTD scrapped classifications in the VIP darshan and in its place introduced only two categories — protocol and non-protocol.
Generally, those who fall in the ambit of protocol category, such as MLA, MLC, MP, Ministers, judicial authorities and other Constitutional heads, are extended certain privileges for darshan and accommodation if they come to the temple in person. If these individuals issue a recommendation letter to someone, the recommended devotees are treated as non-protocol category visitors and are only extended basic privileges.
Taking advantage of this lacuna, the management noticed that a few persons from the protocol category are personally accompanying the pilgrim parties on a ‘quid pro quo’ basis.
On several occasions, the pilgrim parties hailed from Bengaluru. Inquiries revealed that the credentials of the devotees provided while applying for the tickets did not match with those of the applicant.
Startled at the developments, the TTD has decided to subject the recommendation letters to thorough scrutiny. Even though the names of an MLC and a local advisory committee member of the Chennai-based TTD information centre are doing the rounds, the TTD is yet to make any official announcement.