Chandrababu Naidu Says He Was Unaware of Token Issuance in Tirupati
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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep grief over the tragic stampede incident in Tirupati, which claimed the lives of devotees. He stated that while returning home after attending the foundation stone-laying and inauguration ceremonies for investments worth ₹2.8 lakh crore by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, he was disturbed by the news of the tragedy.
Referring to the incident, Chandrababu Naidu said, “It is heartbreaking to witness such a tragedy. Six devotees, including Lavanya (Visakhapatnam), Shanti (Visakhapatnam), Naidu Babu (Narsipatnam), Rajani (Visakhapatnam), Nirmala (Coimbatore), and Mallika (Mettusalam), lost their lives in the stampede. I pray for the peace of their souls.”
"TTD board chairman, members, and the JEO must work in coordination on the hill. The sanctity of the temple must not be compromised. Everyone should participate in the service of the Lord as humble servants, not as overlords. We reiterate our commitment to safeguarding the sanctity of Tirumala." he added.
Clarifying his stance on the token issuance system in Tirupati, Chandrababu Naidu said, “I have been in politics for 45 years, and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has been in power for 23 years. Despite this, I was not aware that tokens were being issued in Tirupati. More precautions need to be taken there. Devotees often say that the peace experienced on Tirumala cannot be found in Tirupati. Many irregularities have occurred on the hill in the past five years, but I do not wish to politicize the issue. Whether in power or in opposition, I visit Tirumala as an ordinary devotee. We will soon decide on the number of tickets to be issued for Vaikuntha Ekadashi.”
Chandrababu Naidu stressed the importance of upholding the sanctity of Lord Venkateswara’s temple, stating, “No disrespect should occur in the presence of Lord Venkateswara. It is my responsibility, both as a devotee and as Chief Minister, to protect the sacredness of this divine site. We have implemented several measures to maintain its sanctity, and any wrongdoings—whether intentional or unintentional—will be considered a fault.”
Urging everyone to rise above political differences, he said, “Everyone must consider serving Lord Venkateswara as a privilege beyond politics. Just as Christians go to Jerusalem and Muslims go to Mecca, Hindus visit the Tirumala hill. Devotees believe that having darshan of Lord Venkateswara on Vaikuntha Ekadashi will lead them to salvation. We must respect their faith and protect the sacredness of this holy temple.”