Pawan Kalyan addressed a gathering outside the hospital while Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu was simultaneously briefing the media nearby to outline the government’s stance on Thursday evening

KIRANMAI TUTIKA I AMARAVATI 

The Tirupati stampede episode has taken a new turn. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has asked the TTD Board Chairman B R Naidu, Executive Officer (EO), and Additional EO to publicly apologize for their failure to prevent the tragedy. 

In response, TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu termed the incident ‘unfortunate’ but defended his actions. Addressing the media after a board meeting at Tirumala’s Annamayya Bhavan, BR Naidu said, “We regret the loss of lives, but apologies cannot bring back the deceased. Accountability will be established through an inquiry, and strict action will be taken against those responsible.”

While Pawan demands immediate action and accountability, BR Naidu appears to be focused on damage control and institutional reforms.

BR Naidu, a close ally of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, dismissed Pawan Kalyan’s remarks as unnecessary provocation. “I do not need to respond to every statement made by some or the other person.

Our focus is on ensuring that such incidents do not recur,” he said. Naidu also assured swift compensation for the victims' families, including financial aid and employment opportunities.

The exchange between Pawan Kalyan and B.R. Naidu underscores a growing divide in how responsibility is perceived within the government. 

In fact, what surprised many was Pawan Kalyan addressing a gathering outside the hospital while Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu was simultaneously briefing the media nearby to outline the government’s stance on Thursday evening.

Unlike other ministers who accompanied the chief minister during the press conference, Pawan chose to visit the injured and interact directly with the affected families, marking a stark contrast in approach.

“The TTD has lost its moral compass. Even the Vice President has raised concerns over the excessive importance given to VIPs at Tirumala. This must stop,” he asserted.

The incident has revealed cracks within the ruling coalition, as Pawan Kalyan’s outspoken criticism of his government’s handling of key portfolios continues to raise eyebrows. This is not the first time the actor-turned-politician has publicly targeted his colleagues; he has previously taken jabs at the Home Ministry over law and order issues.

The Tirupati stampede is now a flashpoint for political discourse in Andhra Pradesh, with accountability and public trust hanging in the balance.

By evening, B R Naidu clarified that TTD had already tendered an apology to the families and compensation cheques for the families of the deceased had already been prepared and would be handed over to them personally on Saturday. He further stated that one family member from each bereaved household would be offered a contract job as part of the relief measures.