Muddada Ravichandra takes charge as TTD Specified Authority chairman
The three-member body will manage the Tirumala temple and 64 other shrines until a new trust board is formed.
Muddada Ravichandra, the executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), took charge as chairman of the three-member Specified Authority on Friday, according to reports by The Pioneer and Deccan Chronicle. The state government established the authority on November 2 to oversee the administration of the Sri Venkateswara temple and 64 other shrines.
The interim body will exercise the powers of the trust board for one year or until a new board is appointed. This arrangement follows the conclusion of the two-year term of the previous trust board, led by B.R. Naidu, on October 31.
The government has reportedly used this stopgap measure because the model code of conduct for local body elections has delayed the appointment of a new board.
Additional Executive Officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary administered the oath to Ravichandra at the Bangaru Vakili in the Tirumala temple. K.
Kannababu, Secretary of Revenue (Endowments), also took his oath as a member on Saturday, as reported by The Hindu.
Ravichandra stated that his priorities include improving pilgrim facilities, strengthening services at all TTD temples, and upgrading medical infrastructure and educational institutions. K. Kannababu said he would work to preserve the religious heritage and spiritual significance of the hill shrine.
Discussions regarding the next trust board chairman have begun, with names such as Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao, Jyothula Nehru, C.M. Ravi Sankar, and Srinivasa Ramanujam being mentioned. Chief Minister N.
Chandrababu Naidu is expected to make a final decision after consulting with the ruling alliance.