Tirumala seers launch hunger strike against Mumtaz Hotel near temple, demand land reversal

A group of seers, led by Srinivasananda Saraswati Swami, has started a hunger strike outside the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board office, opposing the construction of Mumtaz Hotel near the Tirumala temple premises. The seers claim the five-star hotel project would affect the sanctity of the holy site and are demanding the cancellation of the land allotment. The protest has drawn significant attention, with growing pressure on the Andhra Pradesh government to address the issue.

The 20-acre land was allotted for the 100-room luxury hotel under the previous YSRCP government in 2021-22, with the project expected to be completed by 2026. According to reports, 25 rooms were planned under the Trident brand. The TTD board had passed a resolution in November 2024 demanding that the government revoke the land lease, citing concerns over the religious significance of Tirumala. The lease agreement grants the land for 94 years, raising further objections from temple authorities and religious groups.

TTD Chairman BR Naidu called the construction of the hotel near the Alipiri Srivari objectionable and demanded that the land be returned to the shrine board. The protest gained further traction after seers expressed anger toward Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan over his remarks on the Varahi Declaration, which has been a point of contention among religious groups. The issue has also sparked discussions about land use policies near temple premises.

The current Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, has proposed the “Devalokam” project as an alternative, aimed at preserving the spiritual essence of the region. However, there has been no official confirmation on whether the Mumtaz Hotel project will be scrapped or if legal proceedings will be initiated to reclaim the land. Meanwhile, the TTD has taken action against 18 non-Hindu employees accused of promoting other religions within temple premises, adding another layer of controversy to the ongoing dispute.

The hunger strike by seers continues, with increasing calls from religious organizations and devotees to halt the construction. Authorities have yet to issue a final decision on the matter, and discussions between the state government and the TTD board remain ongoing. The situation is being closely watched, as further protests and legal interventions could shape the future of the Mumtaz Hotel project near Tirumala.