Recently, an undated video circulating on social media platform X revealed an alleged incident involving the Congress party and its leader, Sonia Gandhi. 

The incident reportedly occurred during 2009-2010, shedding light on the party’s alleged interference in a crucial religious event organised by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in Tirumala.

An annual Dharmik Sammelan used to be conducted by TTD in Tirumala, bringing together seers and Peethadhipathis from various Matthas. The event traditionally focused on discussions aimed at unifying Hindus, addressing concerns related to conversions, and strategising ways to propagate and preserve Sanatana Dharma.

During the specified period, it is alleged that Sonia Gandhi, then Congress party supremo, exerted pressure on the Chief Minister of unified Andhra Pradesh, Konijeti Rosaiah, to cancel the event. However, it is noted that Rosaiah asked the TTD to postpone the event temporarily. 

Cut to the present-day TTD office bearers; it is noteworthy that most (if not all) of them are somehow connected to the Christian faith. We reported earlier that Tirupati MLA Bhumana Karunakar Reddy was appointed as the Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board, succeeding former MP YV Subba Reddy in August 2023. The appointment sparked criticism from Hindus and opposition parties due to concerns about Karunakar Reddy’s alleged Christian leanings.

Bhumana Karunakar Reddy’s selection for the prestigious position has raised eyebrows, particularly in the context of rising concerns about Christian evangelism threatening the Hindu community in Andhra Pradesh. Both the outgoing Chairman, YV Subba Reddy, and the newly appointed Chairman, Bhumana Reddy, face accusations of having Christian affiliations. 

Andhra Pradesh is known for the widespread phenomenon of crypto-Christianity, a practice where converted Christians officially retain their Hindu identity to dishonestly access quota benefits intended for Hindu SC/OBC communities. This tactic is often employed to deceive the Hindu majority, whose votes are crucial for political support, or to pursue religious proselytisation without encountering resistance. 

The above incident allegedly involving Sonia Gandhi and Rosaiah could have been at the peak of the Christian conversion movement in the state.