TTD executive officer (EO) Anil Kumar Singhal has been transferred overnight. The senior IAS officer is known for his straightforwardness. He earned laurels from devotees by introducing many reforms in the TTD. Shifting such an upright official suddenly is raising many eyebrows. Suspicions are being expressed over the role of influential elements behind the decision.
What happened?
Declaration by non-Hindu visitors to the Tirumala temple led to a controversy during the recent visit of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy to Tirumala. Many ministers who visited the temple along with the Chief Minister during Brahmotsavams contracted Covid-19. As per protocol, every individual who attends the Chief Minister’s programme has to be tested for Covid. Only those testing negative are allowed to participate. The YSRCP leaders believe EO Singhal did not follow that protocol, and thus, was responsible for the infection of ministers and others. They are citing this as a reason for the transfer.
Government eying TTD deposits?
Around Rs. 12,000 crore worth of offerings from devotees to Lord Venkateswara, have been deposited in various banks. The banks holding these deposits regularly pay interest to the TTD. The state government is currently facing severe financial problems. In fact, it is not in a position to pay salaries and pensions in October. As it can’t find any sources to borrow loans, the YSRCP government is said to be eying TTD deposits. It has asked the TTD to lend money to it for half a per cent extra interest than what is being paid by the banks. Though TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy is ready to do so, EO Singhal is reported to have opposed the move. That is said to be the reason for his sudden shunting.
Jawahar Reddy replaces Singhal
The Chief Secretary has issued a GO appointing senior IAS officer KS Jawahar Reddy as TTD EO. He is currently in the position of special chief secretary, health department. On the other hand, Singhal has been sent to the health department. Doubts are being raised over these changes. It is believed that the government has shifted Singhal to remove hurdles coming in the way of the government taking over TTD funds.
Is Singhal BJP man?
There has been talk that Singhal is a BJP man. He was appointed as TTD EO when BJP and TDP were allies. There were reports at that time that he was appointed as EO at the instance of the saffron party. YSRCP suspects he is acting as the Centre’s mole in TTD and keeping BJP leaders up to date on the goings on in TTD. Hence, it has transferred him to the health department.
Only time will tell what the real motive behind this sudden transfer is.
