AP CM Vows Hassle-Free Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan for Devotees
Tirupati, January 8, 2025 – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has expressed deep grief over the tragic stampede incident in Tirupati that claimed the lives of six devotees and left several injured. Speaking at the TTD Administrative Building on Thursday evening, the CM announced immediate measures to address the situation and prevent such incidents in the future.
The CM vowed to ensure a hassle-free Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan for devotees on Vaikuntha Ekadasi. He announced a judicial inquiry into the stampede and directed strict action against responsible officials. DSP Raman Kumar and SV Gosala Director Harinath Reddy have been suspended, while JEO Goutami, SP Subbarayudu, and CVSO Sridhar have been transferred.
As a relief measure, the CM declared an ex-gratia of Rs. 25 lakh to the families of the deceased, Rs. 5 lakh for the severely injured, and Rs. 2 lakh for the 33 devotees undergoing treatment. A special arrangement will also be made for the injured to have Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan on January 10, honoring their wishes.
The CM emphasized the sanctity of Tirumala, comparing its importance for Hindus to Jerusalem for Christians and Mecca for Muslims. He acknowledged the devotees’ sentiment of having darshan on Vaikuntha Ekadasi as a path to salvation and questioned the recent practice of issuing tokens in Tirupati and extending Vaikuntha Dwara opening to ten days. He assured that experts in Agama Shastra would be consulted to evaluate the practice and make it more pilgrim-friendly while preserving the sanctity of the temple.
Chandrababu Naidu also called for better coordination between the TTD Board and the Administration to uphold the sanctity of Tirumala and ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims.
Present at the meeting were Ministers Anam Ram Narayana Reddy, Anita, Satya Prasad, Satya Kumar Yadav, Parthasaradhi, Rama Naidu, TTD Board Chairman BR Naidu, TTD EO Syamala Rao, Secretary to CM Pradyumna, Collector Venkateswarulu, and other board members.
