Tirupati, Apr 19 (PTI) TTD Chairman B R Naidu on Saturday said he would request Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to initiate an Anti-Corruption Bureau investigation into all alleged irregularities at the Lord Venkateswara temple here over the past five years.
His remarks come in the wake of allegations made by former TTD Chairman and YSRCP leader B Karunakara Reddy that over 100 cows died at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams' Goshala (cow shelter) in the past three months, due to "negligence".
"As soon as the Chief Minister returns, we will submit a representation requesting an ACB enquiry into all irregularities that occurred over the past five years," B R Naidu said at a press conference following his visit to the Goshala.
However, without specifying the number of bovine deaths, he noted that a TTD enquiry found out that most of the deaths occurred in a flock of Sahiwal cows.
BR Naidu added that three devotees had donated 500 Sahiwal cows, which were brought from Rajasthan.
Earlier, TTD executive officer (EO) J Syamala Rao observed that on an average 15 cows die every month due to old age and disease.
Noting that 179 cows died in 2024, the EO added that 43 cows succumbed to old age and disease from January to March in 2025 but noted that 59 calves were also born in between.
According to the chairman, certain individuals are deliberately spreading a "false campaign" against the temple administration through mainstream and social media.
Refuting these allegations he blamed the previous YSRCP government, stating that it had even failed to provide fodder for the cows during its tenure.
"They (the YSRCP government) sold donated cows in Ongole and are now engaging in false publicity campaign against the TDP government," he alleged, adding that "God will punish those who commit sins."
Noting that some individuals are threatening to file Public Interest Litigations (PILs) regarding the deaths of cows at the Goshala, BR Naidu said he welcomed such actions, provided the PILs also include complaints about the alleged misuse of TTD funds during the YSRCP's five-year rule.
He promised full cooperation with such legal proceedings and maintained that no irregularities had taken place in TTD during the past 10 months under the TDP-led NDA government.
"It is inappropriate to issue petty threats and indulge in cheap, diversionary politics. I strongly condemn this," he asserted.
Further, BR Naidu promised to set up a committee, entrusting it with the responsibilities of supplying quality food and ensuring the bovines' health.
Meanwhile, Karunakara Reddy demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged cow deaths in TTD. He stood by his statement, saying he had done no wrong and did not fear any threats.
While TTD Executive Officer (EO) J Shyamala Rao stated that 43 cows had died, BR Naidu claimed the number was 22, both contradicting CM Chandrababu Naidu's claim that there had been no deaths.
Accusing the CM, EO, and Chairman of issuing "conflicting statements", Reddy said they had failed to handle the issue transparently and questioned their accountability.
He urged TTD to stop politicising the matter and to address the alleged mismanagement at the Goshala.