A controversy has erupted regarding the sale of VIP break darshan tickets at exorbitant prices in Tirumala. Zakia Khanam, Member of the Legislative Council from the Rayachoti constituency in Kadapa district is at the eye of the storm. He is alleged to have taken Rs. 65,000 from a devotee of Bengaluru for six tickets. They were allegedly obtained on the recommendation letter written for darshan at the Tirumala Srivari Temple. He also accused that for the same ticket, he had to pay the higher amount.
Probe was initiated against the TTD Vigilance Department on a complaint filed by the former. The probe resulted in allegations that found a confirmation of which police complaint were filed. A case has been registered against Zakia Khanam with Chandrashekar been named as the primary accused or A1 Zakia Khanam as the second accused or A2, and her PRO Krishna Teja as the third accused or A3 in the FIR.
Speculation Over Party Switch
Meanwhile, there are serious allegations of political horse trading floating around Zakia Khanam and her political future. She is reported to be contemplating switching her allegiance to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Pictures of Zakia Khanam meeting TDP leader Nara Lokesh in July were recently circulated, which gave further credence to the rumors. It is even said that she would formally join the TDP at Vijayawada with a formal ceremony wherein Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu would be seen officiating at the joining ceremony.
Zakia Khanam is also facing serious allegations of her involvement in the sale of VIP darshan tickets. So, the inherent change on the political front now might affect this actress as well.
Her connection with YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) is under scanner and growing rumors that the party might distance itself from her soon.
Zakia Khanam Responds to Allegations
Zakia Khanam rejected any involvement in selling the VIP tickets after the accusations were brought against her. She claimed that the complaint was lodged with a motive to confront her with the intention of hindering her schedule to visit Vijayawada. She also claimed not to know about an issuing of a recommendation letter and stressed on the point that her PRO, Krishna Teja, had gone out-of-town for a week thereby hinting at the probable mishandling when he was out of town.
Zakia Khanam’s Political Career
Zakia Khanam is also an MLC for quite a long time and Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also gave her the position of Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council. Throughout her tenure, she was sharing close rapport with the leadership of the YSR Congress. Now, sources are saying that she has been keeping a distance from the party and there’s not much which can be said about her political career further. Gossip about her possible defection to TDP has only added flavor to the speculation after her resignation from YSRCP.
As this story unfolds, Zakia Khanam will be at the center of attraction when it comes to her next political decision. Given her increasing prominence in this VIP ticket scandal and the speculation surrounding her party switch, the Rayachoti and beyond political scenario may change drastically.
