TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy today said that plans are afoot to do away with all private restaurants, including fast-food stalls, on the Tirumala hills. The idea, he suggested, is to promote equality in the abode of Lord Venkateswara.

At a meeting on Thursday, he said, "We will completely remove private hotels. From TTD members to the Chief Minister, everyone must consume only the 'prasadam' that is cooked in the Swami vaaru's kitchen. For those who don't want to consume 'prasadam' made in the TTD kitchen, an alternative will be figured out. The livelihoods of those who are affected by the decision will also be kept in mind. We will see what kind of alternatives can be provided for them."

The decision is likely to see a backlash, as the TTD could be accused of arbitrarily trying to promote a warped idea of equality. The ecosystem of Tirumala has evolved over the decades. Destroying private sector there could spell doom for the tourism industry in the town.