 |
|
The recent proposal by B.R. Naidu, the newly appointed chief of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), to employ only Hindus at the temple has ignited a wave of controversy. This decision, if implemented, would have significant implications for the temple's workforce, raising concerns about discrimination and religious exclusion. Naidu's plan involves discussions with the Chandrababu Naidu government about reassignment or retirement of non-Hindu staff, further fueling the debate surrounding the proposal.
The proposal has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many seeing it as a blatant violation of the principle of equality and secularism. Critics argue that such discriminatory hiring practices are not only unjust but also contradict the very essence of a temple dedicated to the worship of a deity believed to be universal in its appeal. The proposal has been widely condemned as a blatant attempt to impose religious exclusivity on a temple that has historically been open to people of all faiths.
Asaduddin Owaisi, the leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has been a vocal critic of the proposal. Owaisi has questioned the logic behind excluding Muslims from TTD trusteeship while allowing non-Muslims to serve on the Waqf board. He has pointed out the hypocrisy of such a discriminatory approach, arguing that it runs counter to the principles of inclusivity and religious tolerance that should govern such institutions. The debate surrounding the proposal highlights the growing concerns about religious extremism and the potential for such policies to exacerbate existing divisions within Indian society.
Source: Tirumala trust's proposal to hire only Hindus sparks controversy