Adikesavulu takes oath as new TTD Chairman

August 25, 2008

Tirupati, Aug.25, 2008 (Tirupatitimes.com)

Mr. D.K.Adikesavulu Naidu, MP elected on Telugu Desam Party ticket from Chittoor in 2004 elections, this evening sworn in as new Chairman of Tirumala Tirumala Devasthanams (TTD) which administers the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala near here.

TDP Chief, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu last month had expelled Mr. Adikesavulu from TDP for allegedly defying the party's whip during the crucial voting on UPA government's confidence motion. However, later, the MP asserted that he voted against UPA. But due to some technical glitch in the electronic voting system, he had chosen a paper ballot to cast his vote.

Since his expulsion from TDP, very strong rumours were doing rounds in the political circles particularly in the dominant Balija (Kapu) community and the media that Mr. Adikesavulu, a liquor baron, who has good relationship with star turned politician Mr. Chiranjeevi would join the new party.

In dramatic development, Chief Minister Dr. Y.S.Rasekhara Reddy has appointed Mr. Adikesavulu as new Chairman for TTD Board as the two-year term of his predecessor Mr. B. Karunakara Reddy ended on Sunday.

Three others also took the oath of office and secrecy as new members of TTD Board at the hill temple. Eight more new members would take the oath later this month or in the first week of September, temple sources told.

TTD Executive Officer, Mr. K.V.Ramanachari administered the oath to the new board.

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