`Many faiths, one humanity’: Muslim AIMIM MLAs facilitate darshan for Hindu pilgrims at Tirumala
Devotees from the Telugu states have long flocked to the hilltop shrine, but the demand has skyrocketed, leaving many in endless waitlists
By - Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: Muslim legislators from All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Telangana, have stepped in to help Hindu devotees secure coveted spots for darshan at the Lord Balaji temple in Tirumala.
In December 2024, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy reached out to his Andhra Pradesh counterpart, N. Chandrababu Naidu, with a plea to reinstate the old practice of honoring recommendation letters from Telangana's MPs, MLAs, and MLCs for special access at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).
Devotees from the Telugu states have long flocked to the hilltop shrine, but the demand has skyrocketed, leaving many in endless waitlists. CM Revanth's letter highlighted this spiritual bond, urging Naidu to make things easier for Telangana folks. Naidu gave the green light in a response that same month, directing the TTD board, appointed under his government, to accept these letters. As Naidu put it in his confirmation, this would allow special darshan and pujas, easing the pilgrimage for countless families.
Under the new arrangement, each Telangana legislator gets a weekly quota: one VIP break darshan letter (with accommodation) for Mondays and Tuesdays, and one special entry darshan (SED) letter for Wednesdays and Thursdays. That's two VIP and two SED slots per week in total, with each letter covering up to six people from the same family, relatives, or friends.
The temple management charges are Rs 600 per person for the VIP break, which offers a quicker, more exclusive experience, and Rs 300 for the SED. It's a small price for skipping those grueling months-long queues that can stretch two or three months ahead. Revanth expressed his thanks publicly, tweeting about how this gesture strengthens the ties between the two states and honors the devotion to `Kaliyuga Daivam’ Lord Venkateswara. Leaders from the Telangana Assembly chimed in too, applauding Naidu and TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu for their quick response.
What has added an interesting dimension is that AIMIM legislators, representing predominantly Muslim constituencies in Hyderabad, are among the most sought-after for these letters. Party president Asaduddin Owaisi has instructed his team's seven MLAs and two MLCs to treat this as a duty, issuing letters just like their counterparts from other parties. It's a true gesture of going beyond religions to serve the people who approach them, no questions asked.
Sample this: Kausar Mohiuddin, the AIMIM MLA from Karwan. His slots are booked till June. "Not only people from my constituency, but even some from neighboring states have also approached me for TTD referral letters in the past," he noted, emphasizing the wide reach of this demand.
Mirza Riyazul Hassan Effendi, AIMIM MLC, echoes that sentiment with a warm openness. "We respect all religions and duly issue darshan letters to people approaching us, irrespective of whether they are from our own constituency or from Hyderabad or other places. It's just that the slot should be available. If they approach us for a particular date, our staff will check online the availability and do the needful if the date is available, or convey to them to choose an alternative available date as per their convenience to get the referral letter." It's this kind of practical, people-first approach that's winning hearts.
Even outside AIMIM, the buzz is palpable. Congress MLC Addanki Dayakar is swamped, his quota filled till the first week of May. "Not only people from his native Nalgonda district, but even some from far-off Adilabad district are also approaching him. Normal public apart, even those in high positions are directing people to approach Dayakar for the needful if their quota is already filled for a given date." It's like a chain reaction; when one legislator's slots are taken, they point folks to another, creating a network of goodwill.
This whole setup isn't without its challenges. With Telangana's deep-rooted tradition of pilgrimages to Tirumala, families making multiple trips a year, the pressure on slots is immense. But the TTD's nod ensures smoother operations, balancing the influx from Telangana with visitors from elsewhere.
Locals said this isn't just about darshan tickets; it's about fostering harmony in a diverse nation. When Muslim lawmakers help Hindu pilgrims access a revered temple, or when chief ministers from neighboring states collaborate for the faithful, it shows politics at its best, serving as a bridge rather than a barrier. For the thousands lining up, they said, it's a small miracle that makes the divine feel a little closer.
