Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to visit Tirumala on Thursday morning to meet the injured individuals from the tragic stampede at the Tirupati temple premises.
A press release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on January 8 confirmed, “Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will visit Tirupati tomorrow morning to meet the injured.”
The stampede occurred on Wednesday evening near Vishnu Niwasam at the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter during the distribution of ‘darshan’ tokens. According to officials, the incident has claimed four lives and left several others injured.
Reacting to the tragedy, CM Naidu expressed deep shock and distress over the loss of lives. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “The death of several devotees in a stampede near Vishnu Niwasam in Tirupati for tokens to visit Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara has shocked me. This tragic incident deeply disturbed me, especially as devotees had gathered in large numbers for tokens. I have directed higher officials to visit the spot and ensure that relief measures are implemented, including providing the injured with the best possible medical treatment to save their lives.”
The Chief Minister has been in regular communication with district authorities and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials to monitor the situation closely. He has instructed senior officials to oversee relief efforts at the scene and ensure that adequate medical attention is provided to the injured.
In its statement, the CMO reiterated the Chief Minister’s commitment to supporting those affected. “CM Chandrababu Naidu expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the stampede and has been continuously updated on the situation by speaking to district and TTD officials. He has ordered swift and effective relief measures to aid the injured.”
The stampede highlights the challenges of managing large crowds during significant religious events at the Tirupati temple, one of India’s most visited pilgrimage sites. Authorities are investigating the incident to prevent such occurrences in the future.
