Overview

• BJP spokesperson Sadineni Yamini Sarma defended channeling Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams funds to the project and objected to APCC chief Y. S. Sharmila’s criticism.
• She declared, “If not 5,000 temples, we will build 50,000,” framing the effort as extending Lord Venkateswara’s blessings to more communities.
• Sharmila had called for withdrawing the decision and urged reallocating surplus TTD money to sanitation and infrastructure in Dalit colonies.
• The government plan would build 5,000 temples in Dalit localities using TTD resources, a move reported as intended to prevent conversions and previously welcomed by the BJP.
• Sharmila questioned who would serve as priests and highlighted poor hostel sanitation, while the BJP noted that TTD also funds schools, colleges, and hospitals.