*Publicity takes priority over Devotees: Malladi Vishnu*

Tadepalli, Oct11: YSRCP former MLA Malladi Vishnu slammed the coalition government for its failure to provide basic facilities to devotees during the Dasara Navaratri celebrations at Vijayawada’s Indrakeeladri, stating that the administration was more interested in publicity and VIP services than devotees’ welfare.

Speaking at the YSRCP Central Office, Vishnu said devotees, including women, children and the elderly, were forced to wait for hours in queues without drinking water, food or medical assistance. Despite government claims of distributing milk and biscuits, nothing was reaching devotees. He said a child suffered a head injury and a woman was injured during overcrowding, exposing serious security lapses.

He criticised the preferential treatment given to VIPs while ordinary devotees and Bhavani Deeksha holders suffered. He questioned the restrictions imposed on journalists, including denial of vehicle passes, while 80–100 social media influencers were invited using temple funds for government publicity. He demanded disclosure of the expenditure incurred on influencers.

Vishnu said differences between the local MP and district Collector had disrupted coordination, while ministers failed to supervise arrangements. He also criticised the additional burden imposed on traders through Vijayawada Utsavalu without any budgetary allocation.

Recalling that the Y.S. Jagan government allocated Rs.80 crore for temple development, Mahamandapam and Annadanam facilities, he demanded immediate provision of drinking water, food, medical assistance and media access. He warned that YSRCP would launch protests at Indrakeeladri if the government failed to resolve these issues.