Minister Anam Clarifies Sai Baba Remarks, Seeks Devotees’ Forgiveness

Andhra Pradesh Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy has issued a clarification over the controversy surrounding his recent comments on Sai Baba temples , saying his statements were misinterpreted and circulated in a manner that hurt the sentiments of devotees.

In a statement on Wednesday, the minister expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt by certain groups and media platforms to distort the intent of his remarks. He said the original context of his comments had been ignored, leading to a misleading narrative that created unnecessary controversy among devotees.

Reaffirming his personal faith, Anam said he is a devoted follower of Shirdi Sai Baba and begins each day only after offering prayers to Sai Baba alongside other deities in his home shrine. He emphasized that he has deep respect for the spiritual beliefs of millions of devotees and would never intentionally make remarks that undermine their faith.

The minister also conveyed his heartfelt apology to anyone who may have been hurt by the controversy. He stressed that the Andhra Pradesh Government , the Endowments Department , and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) do not discriminate against any form of worship and remain committed to respecting the religious sentiments of all devotees.

Highlighting the government's stand, Anam noted that worship at Sai Baba temples is conducted in accordance with Hindu traditions and customs, and that the administration fully recognizes the devotion and reverence that followers have towards Sai Baba.

Addressing concerns related to funding, the minister explained that the ongoing programme to establish 5,000 Bhajana Mandirams under the guidance of TTD is aimed at the preservation and promotion of Sanatana Dharma and the strengthening of traditional village temples. He said financial assistance under the scheme is provided strictly in accordance with the guidelines and administrative framework of the SRIVANI Trust .

According to him, the fact that Sai Baba temples are not covered under this specific programme should not be viewed as an insult to devotees or as a reflection of the government's attitude towards their faith. The eligibility criteria are determined by the objectives and rules of the scheme, he clarified.

Anam further stated that the government respects every form of devotion, whether directed towards Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Lord Hanuman , or Sai Baba . Respecting the beliefs and sentiments of devotees, he said, remains a fundamental principle of the government's approach to temple administration.

Calling for restraint, the minister urged the public not to be misled by distorted narratives or misinformation. He appealed to people to rely on facts and avoid falling prey to attempts aimed at creating divisions over matters of faith.