- By Shibra Arshad
- Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:26 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Venkateswara Temple Stampede: After a deadly stampede at the famous Venkateswara temple in Andhra Pradesh's Kashibugga on Saturday, the former Chief Minister of the State, Jagan Mohan Reddy, has taken on the ruling government, accusing it of 'failing' to protect common lives and provide basic public Safety.
The fatal incident has become a flashpoint in the state's political landscape, with YSR Congress Party chief and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan blaming the ruling party's 'negligence' for the fatal stampede.
The statement of former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy came after Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that organisers had failed to notify authorities about the religious event. Reddy stated that the district administration's negligence was a factor in not noticing the buildup of devotees at the temple.
“Chandrababu Naidu has failed to protect the lives of innocent devotees. Similar incidents had occurred earlier — six devotees died during Vaikunta Ekadasi in Tirupati and seven more at Simhachalam temple,” Reddy said, adding, “Despite repeated tragedies, the government has failed to take precautions. This repeated loss of innocent lives reflects the inefficiency of Chandrababu Naidu’s administration.”
Noida Blames Stampede On Temple Management
Naidu, while addressing a gathering in the Sri Sathya Sai district, said that temple management held the event without ensuring adequate crowd-control measures or giving any advance notice.
“Organisers at the private temple failed to inform police about the event. Had the organisers informed police in advance, this tragedy could have been averted,” Naidu said.
Former minister Dharmana Prasada Rao also accused the government of 'trying to wash its hands off' the incident.
After a huge influx of devotees on the occasion of Ekadashi at Venkateswara temple, the crowd became unmanageable, leading to fatal stampede, killing as many as 9 people.
Heart-wrenching video of the stampede, capturing chilling details, showed women shoving each other as they gasp for air and scream for help.
What Led To The Andhra Pradesh Stampede
According to the authorities, the portion of the temple where the crowd had gathered was under construction, posing a significant risk for the large crowd.
Despite incomplete work and safety risks, the temple authorities continued to allow devotees to enter the area.
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The authorities further stated that the Venkateswara Swamy Temple has a capacity to handle a maximum of 2,000 to 3,000 devotees. The sudden influx of 25,000 devotees on Ekdashi exceeded its capacity, leading to the stampede.