A tragic stampede at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, which claimed the lives of nine devotees, has drawn strong criticism towards the Andhra Pradesh State government. Former Minister and prominent YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader, Dharmana Prasada Rao, on Saturday, publicly condemned the administration’s handling of the incident.
In an official press release, Mr. Prasada Rao highlighted the government’s apparent failure to provide adequate facilities and ensure a safe, smooth darshan experience, especially at temples anticipating large crowds during significant occasions like Karthika Ekadasi. He called upon fellow YSRCP leaders to step forward and offer comprehensive support to the families who lost loved ones and to those who sustained injuries in the unfortunate event.
Adding to the chorus of disapproval, former Minister Sidiri Appalaraju, a medical professional by background, personally extended medical assistance to the stampede victims. He accused the government of neglecting the crucial aspect of devotee safety, particularly in temples operated by private organizations, suggesting a broader systemic oversight.
Separately, D. Govinda Rao, the Srikakulam district secretary for the CPI(M), echoed these sentiments, holding the government accountable for the catastrophe. He criticized the administration’s “casual approach” to crowd management, asserting that better planning could have prevented the loss of life. Mr. Govinda Rao further demanded prompt and sufficient compensation for the families of the deceased.