Five other candidates were sworn in on Saturday as members of TTD Trust’s new board of directors.

In a brief ceremony inside the temple, additional executive officer AV Dharma Reddy swore them in.

Those who took the oath included N. Srinivasan, Vemireddy Prashanti Reddy, P. Sanathkumar, Bandi Parthasaradhi Reddy and Burra Madhusudhan Yadav.

During this time, the TTD was pushed into an embarrassing situation with members taking turns taking the oath, much to the annoyance of pilgrims and temple staff. Although for a brief period, the darshan lines were interrupted whenever a new member was sworn in.

Besides Chairman YV Subba Reddy, the Board of Directors consists of 24 members, four ex officio members, two special guests (who can attend meetings but do not have the right to vote). Apart from this, the government has appointed 50 other members as special guests who cannot attend meetings but enjoy full privileges on par with other members.

So far, nine members, including an ex officio member and a special guest (non-voting), have been sworn in, and the remaining 21 members have yet to make known the day of their choice.

No oaths would be taken for the 50 special guests as they do not have the privilege of attending board meetings.