As the term of the present Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Trust Board, headed by media baron B. R. Naidu, is expected to end within a month, speculation has begun in media and political circles over the constitution of a new board, particularly over the prospective chairman.
Several names have been doing the rounds for the chairman’s post. Among those being discussed on social media are former minister Kala Venkata Rao, senior TDP leader Ganta Srinivasa Rao and film producer Bandla Ganesh.
However, a surprising name has now emerged in political circles for the next chairman of the TTD Trust Board: industrialist and spiritual figure Srinivasa Ramanujam. Apparently, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is said to favour his candidature.
According to sources, Srinivasa Ramanujam’s original name is Lokadri Naidu, a Kamma leader from Chittoor district.
Reports circulating in political and religious circles say that he adopted the name Srinivasa Ramanujam after embracing the Ramanuja tradition in the presence of spiritual leader Chinna Jeeyar Swamy.
Sources said Ramanujam is also believed to have close links with leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His reported association with an RSS-linked ideological think tank has also contributed to speculation over his possible elevation to the TTD post.
Ramanujam is also said to have played a role in a religious ceremony held at Chandrababu Naidu’s residence in Undavalli before the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections.
Political circles have further claimed that he acted as an intermediary between TDP leaders and senior BJP leaders during Chandrababu Naidu’s arrest in the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation case.
There are also claims that he played a role in facilitating the political understanding between the TDP, Jana Sena Party and BJP ahead of the 2024 elections.
The speculation over his candidature comes against the backdrop of the controversial tenure of the current TTD board. The board headed by B. R. Naidu has faced criticism and controversies during its two-year tenure, and he may not be given a second term, according to sources.
Against this backdrop, Srinivasa Ramanujam’s reported background as an industrialist with an association with spiritual activities is being cited by supporters of his candidature as one of the reasons for considering him for the prestigious TTD chairmanship.
