Andhra minister Nara Lokesh backs action against TTD employees, says "no second thought about it"

"That is the stand of our government. There is no second thought about it...We spoke about it before the elections, we stand by it," said Lokesh while answering a media question during the press conference in the national capital.

Prem Kumar Jain, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) National Spokesperson also called the action "very good" for the entire Hindu society.

"...This is a very good decision for the entire Hindu society and everyone has welcomed it...As we have seen during the previous government of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the sentiment of Hindus were hurt...We welcome this decision...," said Jain.

According to a statement from TTD, the action was taken under the direction of TTD Chairman BR Naidu. "Following the directions of TTD Chairman BR Naidu, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has initiated action against employees adhering to non-Hindu religious practices while working in the institution," the statement read.

"Authorities have identified 18 employees who, despite being employed by TTD, are following non-Hindu religious traditions. Orders have been issued for disciplinary action against 18 identified employees who are participating in non-Hindu religious activities while also taking part in TTD festivals and rituals," added the statement.

Apart from that, as part of the decision to preserve the spiritual integrity of TTD's operations, the Board has proposed transfers to other government departments or voluntary retirement for these employees.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has also reacted to the action and questioned TDP for its support for the BJP-backed Waqf Bill in the Joint Working Committee.

"@ncbn should explain why his party supported BJP's Waqf Bill. The Bill mandates a minimum of two non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Board. It also removes the requirement that these bodies have a majority of Muslim members," Owaisi stated.

Meanwhile, Nara Lokesh met with Union Ministers of Steel and Heavy Industriees Minister HD Kumaraswamy, of Defence Rajnath Singh, of Railways, Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday.

Lokesh took to X to post, "I had the privilege of meeting Union Minister @hd_kumaraswamy Garu at his residence and former PM Deve Gowda Garu. I inquired about his health and received his blessings. Grateful to Kumaraswamy Garu for releasing Rs12,000 crores for the revival of #VisakhapatnamSteelPlant."

Taking about his "productive" meeting with Dharmendra Pradhan, he said he requested that the All India Education Ministers' Conclave be hosted in Andhra Pradesh this August.

He said he highlighted "our state's initiative to strengthen primary education with model schools in every panchayat. I also urged for the maximum allocation of funds to support this effort in the 2025-26 budget. Additionally, we discussed the progress under the PM SHRI scheme and the need for approval of the remaining schools in Phase 3. For higher education, I requested Rs5,684 crore under the Purvodaya scheme to transform Andhra Pradesh into a hub of academic excellence with state-of-the-art infrastructure, incubation hubs, and facilities for women's education. Grateful for the Minister's support in these crucial areas for our state's growth."

Furhter he said that he met with Union Minister for Railways, IT and Electronics Ashwini Vaishnaw at Delhi Rail Bhavan. "I thanked him for making the highest allocation to AP in the Railway Budget." Lokesh said. (ANI)