Stampede at Pushpa-2 Premiere Sparks Political Controversy in Telangana
A tragic incident during the premiere of the highly anticipated movie Pushpa-2 at Sandhya Theatre in RTC Cross Roads, Hyderabad, has sparked outrage across the nation. A stampede led to the death of a woman, Revathi, while her son was left in a coma, casting a shadow over the film’s much-awaited release. The incident has also ignited political tensions in Telangana, with opposition parties blaming the ruling government, and leaders from the ruling party issuing counter-statements.
Congress leader Vijayashanti has been vocal in her response to the incident, expressing deep concern over its broader implications. Speaking out, she stated, “A tragic incident that took place during the release of a film seems to be creating divisions among the otherwise peaceful people of Telangana.” Vijayashanti further noted that the press conferences and emotional reactions following the event highlighted a growing rift in societal harmony, underscoring the need for careful handling of such incidents.
Reflecting on the spirit of unity that underpinned the Telangana movement, Vijayashanti emphasized the importance of cohesion among people from all walks of life. However, she expressed criticism toward certain political factions for attempting to exploit the situation for their own gain. “There are attempts to politicize the incident, with statements from BJP leaders in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh seemingly designed to deepen divides for political mileage,” she remarked.
In response to claims made by BJP central ministers accusing the Telangana Congress government and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of undermining the film industry, Vijayashanti condemned these accusations as “deplorable.” She highlighted the significant role the film industry plays in uniting people from various regions and emphasized the importance of resolving the issue through constructive dialogue. “Instead of fueling confrontations, all parties should focus on addressing the real concerns and ensuring the safety and well-being of the people,” she urged.
The incident and its aftermath have prompted a political firestorm in Telangana, drawing attention to the intersections of entertainment, politics, and public safety. As the controversy unfolds, the focus remains on finding accountability for the tragedy while navigating the complex political landscape it has created.
