February 12, 2025: Protests have intensified in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district as priests and religious leaders launched an indefinite hunger strike against the construction of the luxury resort ‘Mumtaz Hotel’ near the sacred Tirumala hills.

Led by Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad president Srinivasananda Saraswati Swamy, the protesting sadhus gathered in front of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administrative office, demanding an immediate halt to the hotel project near Alipiri Srivari Padalu. They argue that the construction poses a direct threat to the sanctity of the Tirumala hills and the revered Sri Venkateswara temple.

The protesters have also sought a response from Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who initiated the Tirumala Prakshalana project, and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, known for his advocacy of Sanatana Dharma.

The controversy dates back to November 2024 when TTD chairman BR Naidu passed a resolution urging the state government to cancel the allotment of 20 acres of land for the hotel, citing concerns over religious sentiments. However, despite opposition, the project continued, leading to the recent wave of protests.

This is the second major demonstration against the hotel in recent months. In December 2024, members of the Hindu Chaitanya Samithi and other religious organizations staged protests against the construction near the Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, warning that it could desecrate the spiritual significance of the Seven Hills.

With tensions escalating, religious groups and devotees have also taken to social media to voice their opposition, urging the government to reconsider the project in order to preserve the sanctity of the holy site.

The state administration has yet to respond to the fresh round of protests, but the priests remain resolute in their hunger strike, vowing to continue until their demands are met.