Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu declared on Friday that only Hindus should be employed at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, reinforcing the state’s commitment to preserving the sanctity of one of India’s holiest Hindu shrines. Speaking during a visit to the temple, Naidu assured that any non-Hindu staff currently working there would be relocated to other government roles “without hurting their sentiments.”

“Only Hindus should be employed at the Tirumala Temple. If individuals from other religions are currently working there, they will be shifted to other places respectfully,” Naidu said. The announcement aligns with the stance of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, chaired by B.R. Naidu, which has pushed for a Hindu-only workforce since its reconstitution in October 2024. Last month, TTD barred 18 employees from religious duties for allegedly engaging in non-Hindu activities, citing their oath to uphold Hindu traditions.

Naidu also unveiled plans to construct Venkateswara Swamy temples in every state capital across India, emphasizing a “sacred thread” to protect the deity’s global assets. He further canceled a controversial Mumtaz Hotel project near the Seven Hills, allotted 35.32 acres by the previous government, asserting, “There should be no commercialization near Tirumala.” The TTD had opposed the hotel’s proximity, deeming it “objectionable” to Hindu sentiments.

The Chief Minister credited Lord Venkateswara’s grace for surviving past attacks, including a 2003 Claymore mine incident, underscoring his personal devotion. The policy echoes earlier actions—44 non-Hindu staff were reassigned in 2018—reflecting a long-standing debate now cemented under Naidu’s NDA government, which vows to safeguard Tirumala’s religious identity.