Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has cancelled all tenders related to the controversial Mumtaz Hotel project in Tirumala. He firmly stated that no Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) land will be privatised.
Why Was the Project Cancelled?
The luxury resort project faced strong opposition from sadhus, priests, and devotees. In February, religious groups staged a hunger strike, arguing that the hotel near Alipiri Srivari Padalu would violate the sanctity of the sacred hills.
Background of the Controversy
The project was approved in 2021 under the Jagan Mohan Reddy government’s Tourism Policy (2020-2025).
Mumtaz Hotels Ltd., a subsidiary of The Oberoi Group, was given 20 acres to build a Rs 250 crore luxury resort with 100 villas.
In November 2024, the TTD board passed a resolution urging the state to revoke the land allotment.
Naidu’s Stand on the Issue
Chief Minister Naidu criticised the previous government’s handling of the project.
“The Oberoi Group assured us they would serve only vegetarian food. But we told them clearly—no private hotels will be allowed in this sacred place,” he said.
To resolve the issue, Naidu offered an alternative land for the project, stating that TTD would sort out the matter with the developers.
All Permissions Revoked
Naidu also cancelled approvals for two other projects near Tirumala:
Vaishnavi Versatile (10.32 acres)
MRKR Construction Industries Pvt. Ltd. (5 acres)
“There should be no commercialisation near the Seven Hills,” he declared.
The decision has been welcomed by religious groups and devotees, who believe it will preserve the spiritual purity of Tirumala and the Sri Venkateswara Temple.
