Published Jan 10, 2026 | 3:19 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 10, 2026 | 3:19 PM
Janga Krishna Murthy. Credit: facebook.com/JangaKrishnaMurthyMLC
Synopsis: Janga Krishna Murthy, senior TDP leader, resigned from the TTD board after the state cabinet revoked a land allotment earlier approved for his trust. Citing embarrassment to the government and temple, he clarified the land was for charitable use, not personal gain. Facing controversy and caste-based attacks, Murthy stepped down to protect TTD’s reputation amid political turbulence.
Janga Krishna Murthy, a senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) figure, resigned from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust board on Friday, 9 January.
The move follows a state cabinet decision to revoke a land allotment previously endorsed by the board.
Murthy submitted his resignation to TTD board chairman BR Naidu, with a copy sent to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, urging immediate acceptance. In his communication, he is understood to have elaborated on the reasons for his departure.
The resignation centers on Plot No. 2 in Tirumala’s Balajinagar, which had been allocated to Murthy but remained undeveloped. After he recently sought reallocation of the plot, the TTD board reportedly approved the request. However, in a meeting on Thursday, 9 January, the state cabinet overturned this decision, directly leading to Murthy’s exit.
Speaking to media persons in Vijayawada, Murthy stated his resignation was intended to “prevent any embarrassment to the Chief Minister, state government, or the temple administration.” He emphasised that land allotment is ultimately a government prerogative.
Murthy clarified that the land was sought not for personal use, but for the ‘Om Sri Namo Venkateswara Global Trust’, which he chairs. He argued any construction would become TTD property, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. He also noted a prior payment of nearly Rs 60 lakh for the allotment, which was refunded to him after its cancellation
“I had the opportunity to serve Lord Venkateswara for a third time. I did not want to be on the board which may become contentious, he said, adding that he wished to avoid the perception that the board had acted improperly by making a recommendation.
Murthy expressed distress over what he called a “character assassination campaign,” that was carried out against him, suggesting his background of being from backward caste may have made him a target. He stated his departure was to shield the TTD’s reputation from the ongoing controversy.
Murthy’s political journey includes two terms as a Congress MLA from Gurazala (1999, 2004). He later joined the YSR Congress Party, serving as an MLC after the 2014 elections. In April 2024, he quit the YSRCP, alleging neglect of Backward Classes, and joined the TDP.
His subsequent nomination to the TTD board followed the NDA’s election victory. He was disqualified as MLC under the anti defection law, post his defection to the TDP in May 2024.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
