The ‘Mumtaz Hotel’ development project near Tirumala temple finally has been discontinued

The decision of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu

Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) – Permission was earlier granted for the ‘Mumtaz Hotel’ near the seven hills of Tirumala. However, the government has now decided to cancel the permission for the hotel, which is planned to be built on 35.32 acres of land, as informed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The decision was made in response to increasing opposition to the hotel. Chief Minister Naidu also stated that no commercial activities should be permitted near the seven hills of Tirumala.

On February 12, sadhus and priests declared a hunger strike in protest against the construction of the hotel near the sacred site of ‘AlipiriSrivariPadalu’.

The controversy began in 2021 when the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led Andhra Pradesh government issued a government order under the ‘Tourism Policy 2020-2025,’ proposing a large-scale tourism project with incentives for developers. Mumtaz Hotels Limited, a subsidiary of the Oberoi Group, was allocated 20 acres of land to develop a complex featuring 100 ‘luxury villas,’ with an initial investment of Rs 250 crore.

Only Hindus will work in Tirumala temple – Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu stated that only Hindus should be employed at the Tirumala temple. He added that if individuals from other religions are currently working there, they will be reassigned to other roles without causing any offense to their sentiments.

Editorial Perspective

This outcome is the result of strong opposition from the Hindu community. Hindus should be grateful unto God for this success. Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure that no future government makes decisions that compromise the sanctity of temples !