NDTV.com
HYDERABAD, INDIA, November 23, 2003: The Andhra Pradesh government’s ambitious new scheme will see Lord Venkateswara installed in over 7,000 new Balaji temples to be built all over the state. The idea is to bring the presiding deity of the Tirupati Tirumala temple to 7,400 locations all over the state. This religious mega project of the Chandrababu Naidu government is expected to cost over US$21 million, with the money coming from the Tirupati temple income. But construction of the temples, to be built in areas inhabited by Scheduled Castes (“Untouchables” or Dalits) and Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections, will have to face the hurdle of finding philanthropists or local committees willing to transfer the land to the board, and also look after the maintenance of the temples.