New Delhi [India]: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has scheduled a review meeting on Thursday following the tragic stampede incident in Tirupati that claimed six lives and injured several others. The incident occurred near the Vishnu Niwasam area during the distribution of ‘darshan’ tokens, according to a spokesperson from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Later in the day, CM Naidu is expected to meet the families of the deceased to offer condolences and support.
TDP National Spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain emphasized the state government’s commitment to preventing such tragedies in the future. Speaking to media, he said:
“The unfortunate incident in the Tirumala Tirupati Temple claimed the lives of 6 devotees and injured around 40. I pray to God to give peace to the departed souls. Measures are being taken to ensure such incidents do not happen again. CM Chandrababu Naidu has also called a review meeting. He will also visit the temple in a short while and take cognizance of the situation…”
Jain explained that the stampede occurred during the occasion of ‘Baikunth Ekadashi,’ a day that traditionally sees a massive influx of devotees. “Proper arrangements had been made to accommodate the rush,” he said.
He added that among the deceased, one woman is believed to be from Tamil Nadu, and ex-gratia assistance will be provided to the families of the victims. “I want to reassure everyone that we will ensure such incidents will not happen again. Our government will provide all the necessary assistance for treatment,” Jain said.
In the wake of the incident, offline tokens for ‘darshan’ have been made available at various distribution centers in Tirupati to streamline the process and avoid further chaos.
The Vaikunta Dwara Darshan, scheduled at the Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Temple from January 10 to 19, allows devotees to pass through the sacred gate to receive Lord Venkateswara’s blessings.