Tadepalli, November 1: YSR Congress Party President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy asserted that the tragic stampede at Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, claiming nine innocent lives, is a direct reflection of Chandrababu Naidu government’s complete collapse of administration and failure to ensure public safety.
Taking to X platform, YS Jagan said while Chandrababu Naidu boasts daily as if no one matches his administrative capability, incidents like Kasibugga expose the harsh truth, his rule is riddled with disastrous failures.“Despite knowing that huge crowds would gather on Ekadashi, the government failed to make any security arrangements. Instead of protecting the people, the police and intelligence wings are being misused solely for political vendetta,” he said.
He slammed the government for trying to escape blame by calling it a “private temple,” stating:
“Whether it is a government temple or a private temple, the safety of devotees is the government’s minimum responsibility. Devotees throng private temples across the state, like Proddatur Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari temple, Sri Surya Narayana Swamy temple near Anakapalli, Dwarampudi Ayyappa Swamy temple, and the temples established by Chinna Jeeyar Swamy in Seethanagaram and Vijayakeeladri. Will the government say it has no responsibility there too? If the CM claims this incident has nothing to do with the government because it is a private temple, then does the Andhra Pradesh government even exist today?”
He added that instead of ensuring public safety, the government created a fake “laddoo controversy” and tried to implicate political opponents. “The attention and energy Naidu showed in fabricating a laddoo conspiracy case is not seen when it comes to protecting devotees’ lives,” he said.
Reminding past incidents, YS Jagan said this is not the first temple tragedy under Naidu’s rule. “For the first time ever, during Vaikuntha Ekadashi in Tirupati, six devotees lost their lives in a stampede. Seven devotees died at Simhachalam. Yet no lessons were learned. Now again nine innocent devotees died at Kasibugga. This government has been in deep slumber, unmoved by repeated tragedies,” he added.
Expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, YS Jagan demanded immediate compensation of Rs. 25 lakh each to the families of the deceased and the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
He also praised former minister and doctor Seediri Appalaraju for rushing to the spot immediately and saving lives. “Dr. Appalaraju provided emergency treatment on the ground, saved two lives, and ensured injured devotees were shifted to hospitals. His commitment is inspirational , he proved what true public service means,” YS Jagan stated.
Concluding, he said this tragedy is a chilling indicator of the Naidu government’s indifference, misplaced priorities, and total neglect of public safety. “A government that cannot protect devotees has no moral right to speak about administration,” he declared.
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