Are there any differences of opinion between the two top officials incharge of the administration of Tirumala on organising Brahmotsavam of Tirumalesha? Are these coming out after the new executive officer took charge of the post? This has been the topic of discussion locally.
The Tirumala Temple had been closed in March for the general public following a surge in Covid cases in the state. The temple was later reopened after Unlock was initiated. Incidentally, two Brahmotsavams are to be held this year. Officials were reluctant to hold the procession in the streets surrounding the temple fearing the difficulties to control the public. Anil Kumar Singhal, the then executive officer of Tirumala in consultation with Agama experts decided to organise the Brahmotsavam inside the temple. Hence, the ceremonies were held in the Ranganaayaka Mandapam.
Following Singhal’s sudden transfer, the government appointed Jawahar Reddy as the new executive officer. In the meantime, a funny incident took place.
Though, it was heard that Jawahar Reddy is to be appointed as EO, before the official announcement came, orders were given to Tirumala JEO Dharma Reddy to take the responsibility as incharge EO. Speculations are that Dharma Reddy is close to YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and hence was given the responsibility. However, he held a joint review meet with the authorities and decided to hold the Navaratri Brahmotsavam from 16th of this month. Instead of organising the festival as a simple affair, Dharma Reddy decided to have celebrations in the streets with limited seating arrangements for the devotees while maintaining social distancing. Organising festivals amongst the crowd when Covid cases were rising was totally a wrong decision, however all arrangements were completed under the leadership of Dharma Reddy.
In the meantime, Jawahar Reddy who took over as the executive officer reviewed the Brahmotsavam arrangements. He was reluctant to hold the festival amidst general public. He then decided to organise the Brahmotsavam inside the temple, contrary to Dharma Reddy’s decisions.
With this, Jawahar Reddy seems to have applied breaks on Dharma Reddy’s speed in the matter of organising celebrations. Few are assuming that at a time when an incharge post was given to him for a week, he took key decisions without taking into consideration the Covid risks and faced embarrassment in doing so.
