Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Karnataka Soudha Takeover Plan Triggers Political Row in Tirumala
Karnataka has a guest complex in Tirumala for people visiting the temple.
The state wants its tourism corporation to run the rooms and restaurants there.
The complex was built on land leased from TTD, the body that manages Tirumala’s temple facilities.
Under the plan, the tourism corporation and a Karnataka department would split the money left after expenses.
Some BJP and Jana Sena leaders oppose the plan.
They say the place should focus on pilgrims and worry about shops, hotels, and workers’ jobs.
One leader alleges around 400 employees could be affected, but the article does not confirm this.
TTD has not yet given an official response to the controversy.
Karnataka plans to transfer operation and maintenance of its 6.47-acre Pravasi Soudha complex in Tirumala to the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC).
The complex was built for Rs 202 crore on land leased by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to Karnataka State Charities through March 31, 2050.
Under the proposal, KSTDC would manage accommodation and restaurants, with net income shared equally with Karnataka’s Religious Endowments Department.
BJP leader and TTD Board member G Bhanu Prakash Reddy questioned the commercial role and alleged that the proposal could lead to control of shops and hotels on the site.
Jana Sena leader Kiran Royal warned the change could affect devotees’ sentiments and alleged about 400 existing employees could lose their jobs; TTD has not responded publicly.
- Who
- The Karnataka government and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation; BJP leader and TTD Board member G Bhanu Prakash Reddy and Jana Sena leader Kiran Royal oppose the plan.
- What
- A proposal to transfer operation and maintenance of Karnataka Pravasi Soudha to KSTDC has sparked political criticism.
- When
- KSTDC Managing Director Shiva Prasad recently announced the planned takeover; the article does not give a date for the announcement.
- Where
- Karnataka Pravasi Soudha in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- The proposed transfer has raised concerns about pilgrim accommodation, commercial operations, and the future of existing employees.
Critics of the takeover
Karnataka’s proposed arrangement
Purpose of the complex
Critics of the takeover
BJP and Jana Sena leaders say the facilities should primarily serve pilgrims’ accommodation and spiritual needs, not commercial interests.
Karnataka’s proposed arrangement
The proposed arrangement would place operation and maintenance of accommodation and restaurants under KSTDC.
Commercial control
Critics of the takeover
G Bhanu Prakash Reddy alleges the move could enable individuals to gain control of shops and hotels and says TTD could consider reclaiming the property.
Karnataka’s proposed arrangement
The described plan assigns management to KSTDC, with a committee of officials supervising it and monthly income and expenditure statements submitted.
Effect on workers and devotees
Critics of the takeover
Kiran Royal says the plan could hurt devotees’ sentiments and alleges around 400 employees could lose their jobs or be replaced.
Karnataka’s proposed arrangement
The article does not report a response from Karnataka officials addressing these concerns.
- Complex area
- 6.47 acres
- Construction cost
- Rs 202 crore, paid by the Karnataka government to TTD in two instalments in October 2020 and July 2022
- Lease period
- April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2050
- Lease amount
- Annual lease fixed at Rs 6.48 lakh; revised amount rose to around Rs 8.64 lakh from April 2023, plus applicable taxes and charges
- Proposed operator
- Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC)
- Proposed revenue arrangement
- Net income after expenses would be shared equally between Karnataka’s Religious Endowments Department and KSTDC
- Employees at issue
- Jana Sena leader Kiran Royal alleged about 400 existing employees could lose their jobs
- TTD response
- No official response to the latest controversy had been issued