Tirupati MLA Arani Srinivasulu, TUDA Chairman C. Divakar Reddy, SAAP Chairman A. Ravi Naidu, AP Greening and Beautification Corporation chairperson M. Sugunamma, TDP in-charge JB Srinivas, YSRCP leader D. Sidda Reddy at the inauguration of the renovated bus shelter at Town Club Circle in Tirupati on Thursday. The facility was developed in memory of the first TUDA Chairman V. Venkata Muni Chetty by his son and former Tirupati Municipal Chairman V. Muniratnam. Photo: KV Poornachandra Kumar
| Photo Credit: K V Poornachandra Kumar
Thursday’s event at the heart of Tirupati was not just the inauguration of a bus shelter, but a trip down the memory lane for many. Interestingly, this event brought together leaders of the TDP, the BJP, Jana Sena and the YSR Congress, kindling memories of 40 years for many.
The city’s busy NTR Circle, what is also known better as ‘Town Club Circle’ since the 1980s, turned colourful with the renovation of the ramshackle bus shelter built over two decades back.
The bus shelter was originally developed in memory of V. Venkata Muni Chetty, who continuously served as the Vice-Chairman of Tirupati Municipality for 33 years, before becoming the first Chairman of Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) during 1980-82.
The facility was developed by his son V. Muniratnam, who served as the Chairman of Tirupati Municipal Council during 1987-92. Earlier, he had also served as the Chairman of Tirupati Cooperative Bank during 1985-87.
The bus shelter remained a mute spectator to the changing face of Tirupati over time, with lesser patronage to ‘Palle Velugu’ buses that stop here today. However, Mr. Chetty’s grandson V. Purandhar got the facility revived in memory of his late grandfather and as a fitting tribute to his father.
All-party function
The veteran leader was so hugely popular that the inauguration was graced by the Jana Sena MLA Arani Srinivasulu, AP Greening and Beautification Corporation Chairperson M. Sugunamma, SAAP Chairman A. Ravi Naidu, TUDA Chairman C. Divakar Reddy, TDP constituency in-charge J.B. Srinivas, former Deputy Mayor R.C. Munikrishna, former MLC Batyala Changalrayudu, AP Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation member Vooka Vijayakumar (all TDP), Pokala Ashok Kumar and Doddareddy Siddha Reddy (both YSRCP) and the BJP city President V. Varaprasad.
With ‘those were the days’ comments, the leaders not only recalled their association with Mr. Chetty, but also pointed out how politicians remained socially connected, irrespective of their party affiliations.
As the renovation is completed, Mr. Purandhar has written to the municipal corporation authorities to bring it to use for the benefit of the public at the earliest.
Published – July 17, 2026 01:35 am IST
