Tragic Stampede in Tirupati Claims Six Lives: Political Leaders Express Grief and Call for Immediate Action
A devastating stampede occurred near Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday, claiming six lives and leaving several others injured. The tragic incident unfolded amidst a large influx of devotees arriving to collect darshan tokens for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshan at the renowned Tirumala Srivari Temple. As news of the tragedy spread, leaders from various political parties expressed their condolences and urged immediate measures to support the victims and prevent such incidents in the future.
Union Minister Bandi Sanjay, deeply saddened by the incident, took to social media to convey his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. He further requested the Andhra Pradesh government to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured, praying for their swift recovery. “I am deeply saddened by the tragic stampede in Tirumala, which led to the loss of devotees’ lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I request the Andhra Pradesh government to ensure that the injured receive the best medical care,” Sanjay posted on X.
Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu also shared his grief, offering condolences to the bereaved families. He expressed his sadness over the tragic event, praying for strength for those affected by the loss. Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi, in his statement, called the incident deeply saddening. He urged Congress leaders and workers to assist in any way possible during this difficult time.
Several state leaders, including Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, expressed shock and distress over the loss of lives. Kalyan suggested that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) authorities make immediate arrangements to assist the victims’ families and provide necessary support to the injured. “I am deeply distressed by the tragic incident. I urge TTD to ensure the injured receive appropriate medical care, and the families of the deceased are provided with the necessary information and assistance,” he said.
Andhra Pradesh Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, along with Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad and Home Minister Anitha, expressed their condolences and announced plans to visit Tirupati. They vowed to take all necessary actions to support the victims’ families and manage the ongoing situation. “It is a deeply saddening event. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed us to ensure arrangements for other pilgrims while addressing the needs of the victims’ families,” said Reddy.
The Tirupati stampede, which occurred during the distribution of darshan tokens at Vishnu Nivasam, has sparked a wider conversation on the need for improved crowd management measures. State leaders, including Minister Nara Lokesh, emphasized the necessity for stronger precautions to avoid such incidents in the future. Lokesh also reassured the families of the victims that the state government would stand by them in this time of sorrow.
BRS leaders, including working president KT Rama Rao and MLC K Kavitha, also joined the chorus of grief and prayers for the victims. Rao extended his condolences to the families and expressed solidarity with those affected. Kavitha shared her shock over the incident and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of life, assuring that the state government is providing all necessary support to the victims. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is closely monitoring the situation, also expressed his shock and dissatisfaction with the management of the incident. The Chief Minister has promised to visit the victims’ families and ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
The stampede occurred just before the Mukkoti Ekadashi Utsav, a major event that attracts thousands of devotees. With the release of darshan tokens scheduled to begin on January 9, the crowds quickly grew overwhelming, leading to chaos and tragic loss. Vaikunta Dwara Darshan, which allows devotees to pass through a sacred gate to receive blessings from Lord Venkateswara, is set to take place from January 10 to 19, further increasing the pressure on the system.
As authorities investigate the causes of the incident and make efforts to support the victims, political leaders across India continue to call for more stringent crowd management protocols to prevent future tragedies. The incident has left the entire nation in shock, as heartfelt tributes and prayers for the victims pour in from all quarters.
