TTD board member Bhanu Prakash Reddy on Thursday slammed Karnataka Cabinet's decision to bring the 7.5‑acre Karnataka Choultry plot in Tirumala under the state's tourism department. He said the land, historically allotted to the Mysore Maharaja, should remain under the temple's control.
The allotment, documented in 1997, originally covered 7.5 acres, of which 6.5 acres were used to build 150 rooms and a large Kalyana Mandapam for devotees arriving from Karnataka. Reddy pointed out that the TTD Act expressly forbids subleasing the property for commercial ventures.
He warned that the move could open the door to shops, canteens and other business fronts, effectively turning the pilgrimage centre into a commercial hub. Reddy also alleged that influential political figures were pushing the project, citing possible accommodation for Karnataka legislators and ministers on the premises.
Reddy said he would consult TTD officials and seek a formal reply from the state government, threatening a notice if the decision stands. He added that the BJP would stage a protest if Karnataka failed to withdraw its order.
The state is expected to issue a response within a week, after which the dispute may move to a formal hearing before the High Court.