Chandrababu Naidu-led government in Andhra Pradesh has come under fire for its negligence, resulting in a series of tragic incidents at prominent temples. Instead of holding accountable those truly responsible, the administration is protecting high-ranking officials and ministers while scapegoating lower-level employees with suspensions and transfers.
Simhachalam tragedy: Ministers escape scrutiny
In the recent Simhachalam temple incident during Chandanotsavam, a wall collapsed due to poor construction, killing seven devotees. Despite five ministers, Vangalapudi Anitha, Dola Bala Veeranjaneya, Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Anagani Satyaprasad, and others, along with hereditary trustee Ashok Gajapathi Raju overseeing preparations and claiming robust arrangements, no inquiry has been initiated against them. The government’s failure to inspect the wall’s quality led to the tragedy, yet no minister has faced consequences.
Tirupati stampede: Same pattern of blame-shifting
A similar pattern emerged in the Tirupati stampede on January 8, 2025, during Vaikuntha Ekadashi, where six devotees lost their lives in a queue mismanagement. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman BR Naidu, Executive Officer Shyamala Rao, and Additional EO Venkayya Choudhary faced no action. Instead, the government targeted lower officials like Tirupati SP Subbarayudu and goshala director Harinatha Reddy, while shielding key figures, including Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy.
Protecting the powerful, punishing the powerless
Critics stated Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is shielding culprits to cover up administrative failures. In Simhachalam, only after media exposure did the government act, suspending six engineers and recommending criminal action against a contractor and two engineers. A viral video of the contractor admitting to building a substandard wall under pressure further exposed the government’s negligence. Similarly, in Tirupati, lower officials bore the brunt, while those in charge escaped accountability.
Public outrage grows over govt’s indifference
The government’s inaction has sparked widespread criticism. In Simhachalam, neither the hereditary trustee nor local MP visited the victims’ families. Key leaders, including Minister Lokesh and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, were reportedly preoccupied with a TDP leader’s son’s wedding during the crisis. Naidu’s focus on Amaravati projects and PM’s visit preparations further fueled accusations of apathy. Public discourse highlights the government’s failure to learn from repeated mistakes, with intellectuals decrying the politicization of sacred sites.
Pattern of Negligence and Cover-Ups
Since assuming power, the Naidu government’s focus on exploitation over governance has led to recurring temple mishaps. By resorting to diversionary politics and shielding responsible parties, the administration is accused of betraying devotees’ trust. As tragedies mount, calls grow for accountability at the highest levels to prevent further loss of life in Andhra Pradesh’s spiritual centers.
