In an open display of humility, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has tendered the most sincere and unconditional apology to the Hindu fraternity following the tragic Tirupati stampede in which six devotees lost their lives. Taking complete responsibility for the tragic event, Kalyan condemned the management of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and the senior officials and police of the state for allowing this tragic stampede to occur.
Speaking emotionally to the media in Tirupati, Pawan Kalyan said, “I am deeply distressed by the unfortunate events that occurred in Tirumala. This is the most disastrous event ever witnessed one; no such thing has happened in the entire history of Tirumala. What used to be a sacred occasion has now become an ill-fated catastrophe through the careless measures of the TTD management and the police. I fully feel how everyone would be agitated by this loss of life at the hands of the devotees and the Hindus around the world. I regret what happened and request the entire Hindu community to pardon me.”
Pawan Kalyan expressed deep sympathy for the families of the victims and pledged to provide full support for the injured. “Although we cannot bring back the lives lost, we stand firmly by the families of the deceased. We will ensure that those injured receive the best possible medical care. Once they recover, TTD officials will personally accompany them to Sri Venkateswara Swamy Darshan,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister didn’t hold back in criticizing the TTD management and the police for their failure to manage the growing crowd. “Your negligence has resulted in the loss of six lives, and many others are now suffering. Despite having adequate police personnel and staff, you failed to control the crowd. TTD, as a responsible institution, should have been prepared for such large gatherings. This failure has led to widespread criticism of the Andhra Pradesh government,” Pawan Kalyan pointed out.
In a bold move, Pawan Kalyan ordered TTD Executive Officer Syamala Rao, Joint Executive Officer, and TTD Chairman to take full accountability for the incident. He also directed them to personally visit the families of the victims and offer their apologies.
As a great Hindu, Pawan Kalyan emphasized that the management of TTD must be completely revamped. “There is an urgent need for a total revamp of TTD’s functioning so that such a tragedy never again recurs,” he concluded.
