Jagan Criticises Andhra CM N Chandrababu Naidu for Poor Crowd Management in Tirupati Stampede

In a recent incident, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu faced criticism for a stampede in Tirupati that resulted in six deaths and numerous injuries. The tragedy occurred as devotees gathered for tickets to the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple. The event highlighted issues of crowd management and resource allocation.

Former Chief Minister Reddy criticised the current administration, alleging negligence in handling the situation. He pointed out that the police were preoccupied with Naidu's tour from January 6 to 8, leaving no personnel available for crowd control. Reddy claimed this demonstrated a lack of reverence towards God from the chief minister.

Allegations and Demands

Reddy demanded that the TDP government provide Rs 50 lakh as compensation to each family of the deceased and Rs 5 lakh to each injured devotee. He visited a local hospital to console those affected by the incident. Reddy emphasised that such arrangements should have been made well in advance, given the annual influx of devotees during Vaikunata Ekadashi.

The opposition leader accused the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) of failing in their duties as custodians of the temple. He alleged that the sanctity of TTD had been compromised under the current leadership. Reddy claimed that during his tenure from 2019 to 2024, similar events were managed with care and dedication.

Historical Context and Accountability

Reddy drew parallels between this incident and a previous stampede during Godavari Pushkarams, where 29 people died. He accused Naidu of prioritising publicity over safety during both events. On Thursday, Naidu responded by suspending two officials and transferring three others, holding them accountable for the mishap.

The stampede took place at Bairagi Patteda near MGM School in Tirupati on Wednesday night. Hundreds of devotees had gathered from across India for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam starting January 10. The lack of adequate arrangements led to chaos as people jostled for tickets.

Reddy further alleged that devotees were left without basic necessities like food and water while waiting in parks and other areas. He criticised the FIR filed over the incident, claiming it was booked under ordinary sections despite complaints from multiple locations.

The incident has sparked discussions on how religious events are managed in Andhra Pradesh. It underscores the need for better planning and resource allocation to ensure safety during large gatherings. The focus now shifts to how authorities will address these concerns moving forward.