Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is concerned about the recent incident shown on social media regarding youth drinking, shouting, kicking, and assaulting women in Tirupati. It should serve as a wake-up call for the Andhra Pradesh government to decide whether it wants to preserve Tirumala and Tirupati as a sacred city or turn them into a hub of sin city. Knowing the consequences of drinking on families, and the rude, indecent, violent, irrational behavior of drunkards, how can a government have the ability to grant permission to liquor shops to flood the city with wine and alcohol and ruin the lives of people?

After you were elected to a five-year term as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, you announced in June 2024 your intention to "purify" the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) administration. You made that statement in response to allegations that the ghee used for making the world-famous Laddu contained animal fat. In fact, TTD conducted a purification ritual, the Shanti Homam, in the temple kitchens in September 2024 to restore the sanctity of the sacred food offerings.
The TTD Board decided to ban liquor in Tirumala-Tirupati in 2019
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board agreed to recommend a ban on liquor in Tirupati in October 2019, to extend the prohibition that already existed in Tirumala. The Board resolved to write to the Andhra Pradesh government to enact legislation for a complete liquor ban in the city, to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage site. 
At the time, TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy explained that the ban was to ensure the sanctity of Tirupati and to provide a consistent spiritual experience for pilgrims, as alcohol and non-vegetarian food are already prohibited in Tirumala. The Board also argued that Tirupati and Tirumala are inseparable pilgrimage locations and that extending the ban would align with the city's religious significance.
Chandrababu Naidu made Tirupati a “Liquor Hub”
Sir, you promised one thing while campaigning, but you did the opposite after you got elected. Recognizing the importance of preserving the sanctity of Tirumala-Tirupati, advocated for the closing of “belt shops” and reducing liquor consumption. But you approved 227 liquor shops in the Tirupati district, following the allotment of new licenses in Andhra Pradesh, more than any other district.  

The city of Tirupati, known as a major pilgrimage site, has the highest number of liquor shops in the State. The controversy over alcohol sales comes after a recent scandal involving adulterated 'prasadam' (holy offerings) at the Tirumala Temple, which sparked nationwide outrage. 
Consequences of your decision to increase the number of Liquor Shops in Tirupati
The increased number of Wine shops and bars in Tirupati is causing enormous problems by disturbing the sanctity of the holy city, leading to anti-social activities, such as recent violence where youths attacked people after drinking, and other problems like the sale of liquor above the maximum retail price. Women and local organizations have protested the proliferation of these outlets, demanding stricter regulation and the removal of shops from near temples and residential areas to protect the sanctity of the pilgrimage center and the well-being of residents. 
This is what happened in Tirupati.
It is reported that on September 22, 2025, six youngsters in Tirupati went on a rampage after drinking heavily at a wine shop.
They attacked three people with liquor bottles on Karakambadi Road before moving to Leela Mahal Junction, where women were assaulted.
 Shocking visuals of the incident were caught on CCTV
Contributing factors to these liquor shops in Tirupati
•    The presence of numerous wine shops and bars, including "belt shops" (unauthorized liquor sales), is seen as polluting the sacred atmosphere of the world-renowned pilgrimage town. 
•    Heavy drinking has been linked to public disturbances and violence, such as a recent incident where a group of youths attacked people with liquor bottles after consuming alcohol. 
•    Some wine shops have been found selling liquor above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and are allegedly not installing the required electronic point-of-sale (e-PoS) machines, making it difficult to track sales and prevent illegal collections. 
•    Shops are located close to railway stations, bus stands, and populated areas, including residential houses, which is a concern for residents and pilgrims. 
•    The number of liquor shops has grown unchecked, despite ongoing concerns and protests. 
•    Disruption in the families resulting from excessive drinking and deaths.
Women Protested
Women in Tirupati staged a protest in October 2024, demanding a reduction in the number of liquor shops and their removal from densely populated areas, as well as near hospitals and temples. 
The state government and local authorities have expressed concern over the uncontrolled growth of liquor outlets and have initiated actions against violations of excise policy. 
There have been calls to the court to direct the government to prohibit liquor sales within a certain radius of the pilgrimage center.
Requesting your consideration to close all liquor shops in Tirupati.
Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is requests you to close all liquor shops and protect the families, create a peaceful environment, and prevent untimely deaths in Tirupati.
 Declare Tirumala-Tirupati as a Holy city and provide a spiritual environment not only for the pilgrims visiting Lord Venkateswara, but also for the residents of the entire city.
Designate a 20-kilometer radius around Tirupati as a non-alcohol zone with strict rules to be followed.
Excessive drinking creates financial instability, emotional distress, and damaged relationships within a family, often leading to increased anxiety, depression, and anger in family members.
Spouses of these excessive drinkers experience fear, stress, guilt, hopelessness, and violence, resulting in permanent scars in their lives.
Children of alcoholics suffer long-term psychological issues and distrust among family members.
The declaration of Tirupati as a holy city alleviates many problems and provides a religious, pious, and spiritual experience for both pilgrims and residents of the town.
Thank you for your prompt consideration.

Prakasarao Velagapudi, PhD
President, Global Hindu Heritage Foundation
+1 601-018-7111

                        Copy: Sri Pawan Kalyan, Deputy CM
                            All Ministers
                            B R Naidu, TTD Board Chairman
                            Dr. Anil Kumar Singhal, EO