• Source:JND
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Tirumala's VIP Darshan Controversy:  The "VIP break darshan system" of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has drawn criticism for seemingly favouring public officials and politicians over regular pilgrims. The TTD's strategy seems to favour those with connections and influence, even though the demand for Sri Venkateswara Swamy's darshans is growing daily.

The VIP break darshan opportunity, which provides private access in a matter of seconds, is the most direct and exclusive approach to having a close-up darshan of the Lord. The TTD, which grants darshans based on recommendation letters from a chosen set of people, including public officials, dignitaries, TTD personnel, police, the judiciary, the media, vigilance, and donors, makes this rare experience available every day through a discretionary quota.

The TTD is under a lot of pressure from dignitaries and members of the public to provide darshans on recommendation letters. Due to this, the number of VIP break darshans has significantly increased, rising from 2,000 in 2014 to 5,000–6,000 now.

The recommendation letters from MLAs, MPs, and local leaders from 175 Andhra Pradesh constituencies—including Tirupati and Chandragiri—are used by TTD to distribute darshans.

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These letters are accepted Monday to Thursday. Recently, the administration decided to accept letters from Telangana public representatives as well. This could put more pressure on TTD, especially as Telangana representatives will receive two letters each, in addition to the current allocations for Andhra Pradesh politicians.

Critics contend that the TTD has a contradictory attitude towards recommendation letters. While politicians and VIPs are given precedence, others, including TTD staff and vigilance officials, face limits and rejections. Employees are quite unhappy as a result, and they want the policy to be reviewed.

Vigilance authorities and TTD staff are calling for a review of the VIP break darshan policy. They contend that those who are TTD partners are not receiving the same priority as politicians. The workers want a system that prioritises the needs of all devotees and is more transparent and egalitarian.