Race for TTD Chairman’s post gathers pace

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The constitution of the new TTD board also involves negotiations over representation for the three ruling alliance partners and nominees from other States. | Photo Credit: File Photo

With the term of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Trust Board coming to an end, focus has shifted to the choice of its next Chairman.

As the ruling alliance weighs its options, there are several names doing the rounds in the political circles, and they include senior TDP leaders Jyothula Nehru and Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao, outgoing Chairman B.R. Naidu, industrialist C.M. Ravi Sankar and NRI industrialist Srinivasa Ramanujam.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is expected to take the final call after consultations within the ruling coalition that comprises the TDP, the Jana Sena Party and the BJP.

The selection is being watched closely as the post carries considerable political and religious significance. The contest also brings into focus the competing claims of leaders from different regions and the need to accommodate the interests of the alliance partners.

While Mr. Jyothula Nehru is a member of the outgoing board, Mr. Kala Venkata Rao is a senior leader from North Andhra. Mr. Ravi Sankar hails from Annamayya district, and is said to have missed the boat in 2017.

It is learnt that the party is considering various factors, including caste composition, posts being held by the contenders or by their family members etc.

Mr. B.R. Naidu's continuation is another possibility being discussed in some quarters, though there is no official indication of an extension. The board he headed completed its two-year term on October 31.

The Model Code of Conduct in force due to the local body elections is said to have delayed the constitution of the new TTD board. The government is expected to take up the exercise after the election process is completed.

The Chairman's selection is only one part of the exercise. The constitution of the new board is also expected to involve negotiations over representation for the three alliance partners and nominees from other States, particularly Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

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