Attacking a Teluga person in the temple city of Tiruvannamei in Tamil Nadu resonated in Tirupati, Lord Venkateswar’s dwelling, who attracts tens of thousands of devotees from around the world every day.
Political analysts and social activists condemned growing attacks against Telugus and warned against possible retaliation if international relations continue to deteriorate.
It should be remembered that C. Vidyasagar, the resident of Bhonggire in the Yadadri district in Telangana, was brutally killed in July after refusing to pay 500 GBP. The incident became the proverbial last straw in the ongoing Telugu voltage -tamil in Tiruvannamei.
Tiruvannamalai, the home of Lord Arunachalalesware Swamy, is known for his temple and Giri Pradakshinam – bypassing the sacred hill. In recent years, the city has seen an increase in devotees from Andr Pradesh and Telangana and strengthened local businesses. Traders began to exhibit Telugu boards to attract pilgrims and criticize some local political groups. Some buses even bore the target name as “Arunachalam” (as Telugus calls) instead of “Tiruvannamei”, which stimulated the tension between groups of marginal languages.
Echo in tirupati
Although it seemed that this problem had retreated, tension appeared when political analysts urged the end of the politicization of religion. “We are urging political parties and social groups in Tamil Nadu to stay away from the politicization of the temples. More devoted tamils visit Tirupati to pray to the Lord of Venkateswar than the devotion of Teluga who go to Tiruvannapai,” said political analyst Turaga Sriram.
Sriram, who spoke at a press conference in Tirupati’s press club, along with social activists, Srinivasa Chowdary and Madha Babu, said that the inhabitants of Tirupati have been expanding the hospitality to Tamil’s devotees for centuries and hoping to continue.
“Such disorders across the borders reflect intolerances that do not have space in worship. They could harm interstate relations and influence local companies,” he warned.
Published – October 12, 2025 20:56
