Murali Mohan’s Allegation Revives an Old Political Narrative

Veteran actor and former MP Murali Mohan has once again revived a familiar allegation against former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), claiming that YSR reduced Tirumala’s sacred Seven Hills to just two hills.

For years, critics have used similar allegations to portray YSR and later Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as anti-Hindu and anti-Tirumala. But when these allegations are examined alongside official records and historical events, a different picture emerges.

The question is simple: if YSR was truly against Tirumala, why did his government take some of the strongest administrative measures in support of Tirumala’s sanctity?

GOs 746 and 747: The Orders That Protected All Seven Hills

One fact that often gets ignored in political debates is that it was the YSR government that issued G.O. Nos. 746 and 747 on June 2, 2007.

These orders were intended to protect Tirumala’s sacred character and strengthen safeguards surrounding the Seven Hills. The government recognized the spiritual significance of all seven hills and introduced measures aimed at preserving Tirumala’s unique religious identity.

The orders included:

• Protection for all seven sacred hills associated with Tirumala.
• Restrictions on religious propagation by other faiths within Tirumala.
• Special measures to preserve the spiritual and religious atmosphere of the shrine.
• Reinforcement of Tirumala’s status as a unique Hindu pilgrimage center.

Supporters of YSR ask a straightforward question: if YSR wanted to diminish Tirumala, why would his government issue orders specifically aimed at protecting all seven hills?

Why Is There Silence About Opposition to These Orders?

Another question rarely discussed is the political opposition that emerged against these government orders.

YSR supporters point out that N. Chandrababu Naidu openly opposed GOs 746 and 747 and questioned aspects of the government’s approach at the time.

This raises an important issue. If these orders were supposedly harmful to Tirumala, why are they frequently cited by temple authorities and YSR supporters as measures that strengthened protection for the Seven Hills?

And if protecting all seven hills was the objective, why was there opposition to those measures in the first place?

YSR Didn’t Weaken Tirumala — He Took Tirumala to the World Through SVBC

Another fact frequently ignored by critics is that the YSR government launched the Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel (SVBC) on July 7, 2008.

Today, SVBC is one of the most influential devotional television channels in India. Millions of devotees watch Tirumala’s rituals, religious discourses, Brahmotsavams, and other spiritual programs through the channel.

The channel has become an important bridge connecting Lord Venkateswara’s devotees across the globe.

YSR supporters therefore ask: would a leader allegedly hostile to Hindu institutions create a dedicated devotional channel exclusively for Tirumala and Lord Venkateswara?

They also point out that the idea faced criticism and opposition when it was introduced, despite becoming a widely appreciated institution later.

The Chiranjeevi Episode: Another Narrative That Collapsed

Supporters of the YSR family also point to another example of what they describe as politically manufactured narratives.

After the 2019 elections, allegations circulated that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had insulted actor Chiranjeevi.

The controversy gained significant traction. However, Chiranjeevi himself later clarified publicly that Jagan had never insulted him and had always treated him with respect.

For YSR supporters, this incident serves as a reminder that political narratives and documented facts are often very different things.

They argue that the Tirumala controversy follows a similar pattern—an allegation repeated so often that many assume it is true despite a lack of supporting evidence.

The Veyyi Kalla Mandapam Question

Those attacking YSR’s record on Tirumala also face uncomfortable questions about events that occurred under other administrations.

One issue that continues to generate debate among devotees is the demolition of the historic Veyyi Kalla Mandapam (Thousand-Pillared Hall) in Tirumala.

The structure, which had stood for centuries and was considered an important part of Tirumala’s heritage, was removed during Chandrababu Naidu’s tenure as Chief Minister.

The decision sparked significant controversy and protests from various religious groups, historians, and devotees.

YSR supporters therefore question why those who remain silent on the demolition of a centuries-old structure are often the loudest in accusing YSR of undermining Tirumala despite the absence of documentary evidence.

Facts, Records, and Political Propaganda

For nearly two decades, allegations regarding YSR’s faith have repeatedly been used to question his commitment to Hindu institutions.

Yet when official records are examined, they reveal:

• GOs 746 and 747 were issued during YSR’s tenure to protect Tirumala and its Seven Hills.
• Religious propagation by other faiths in Tirumala was restricted.
• SVBC was launched to promote Tirumala’s spiritual activities globally.
• No official document has been produced showing that YSR reduced the Seven Hills to two.
• Several political allegations against YSR and Jagan over the years have later been challenged by facts and public clarifications.

The Real Question Remains Unanswered

Murali Mohan’s statement has once again revived a controversy that resurfaces every few years.

But after all these years, one question remains unanswered:

Where is the official government order, notification, gazette, or documentary evidence proving that YSR reduced Tirumala’s Seven Hills to two?

Until such evidence is produced, the available records point in the opposite direction. They suggest that YSR’s government took steps to protect Tirumala, preserve the sanctity of all seven hills, restrict non-Hindu religious activities within the shrine area, and expand Lord Venkateswara’s spiritual reach through SVBC.

In the debate between allegations and records, it is the records that continue to speak the loudest.