YSRCP spokesperson and former minister RK Roja has come down heavily on the state government, holding it accountable for the tragic stampede during Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrations in Tirupati. Speaking at a press meet from the YSRCP central office, Roja criticized the administration’s failure to ensure the safety of devotees and demanded swift action against those responsible.
Key Points from RK Roja’s Statement
1. Gross Negligence in Devotee Arrangements
Roja alleged that despite knowing that lakhs of devotees would throng Tirupati for Vaikunta Ekadasi, the government failed to make proper arrangements. Basic facilities such as food, drinking water, and even milk for children were missing, she said.
2. Demand for Criminal Accountability
She called for criminal cases to be filed under Section 105 IPC against officials, including the TTD Chairman, the district collector, and the SP, for their negligence. Roja criticized the administration for registering FIRs under Section 194 IPC, which she said downplayed the severity of the incident by terming it an accidental occurrence.
3. Compensation for Victims
The former minister demanded ₹1 crore as compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹25 lakh for the injured.
4. Comparison to Past Tragedies
Drawing parallels with the Godavari Pushkaralu tragedy during Chandrababu Naidu’s tenure, Roja accused the TDP chief of setting a pattern of administrative failure during critical events.
5. Allegations Against the TTD Board
Roja alleged that individuals lacking devotion and integrity were appointed to key positions in the TTD, turning it into a political hub instead of a place of worship. She claimed this lack of accountability directly contributed to the tragedy.
Call for a Transparent Probe
Roja demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the stampede, emphasizing that no responsible party should escape justice. She assured the public that the YSRCP would not rest until those accountable are punished.
Appeal to Hindu Organizations and PM Modi
The former minister urged Hindu organizations to stand with the victims and demand justice. She also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and ensure the sanctity of Tirumala is preserved through a fair probe.
Strong Criticism of Government Priorities
Roja took a jab at the government for prioritizing political events over devotees’ welfare. She pointed out that more effort seemed to be put into organizing events like movie promotions than ensuring safety during religious occasions.
YSRCP’s Stand
Reiterating her party’s commitment to justice, Roja stated that the YSRCP would continue its fight until the families of the victims receive adequate compensation and those responsible face criminal charges.
Conclusion:
The tragic stampede in Tirupati has once again brought governance issues to the forefront. Roja’s fiery statements underline the need for accountability and better management of public events, especially during occasions of spiritual and cultural significance.
