M. K. Stalin and EPS Extend Condolences Over Tirupati Temple Stampede Tragedy
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Chennai, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, along with Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), who is the Leader of the Opposition, and K. Selvaperunthugai, President of the Tamil Nadu Congress, have expressed their condolences regarding the tragic loss of lives in a stampede that occurred at the Tirupati Balaji temple.
The unfortunate incident took place on Wednesday near Vishnu Nivasam, adjacent to the ticketing counter for the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara, during the distribution of "darshan" tokens for the Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrations.
According to reports from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), six individuals tragically lost their lives, while a number of others sustained injuries.
CM Stalin conveyed his sorrow on the social media platform X, stating: "The heartbreaking news of six people, including some from Tamil Nadu, losing their lives in a stampede at Tirupati is deeply saddening. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident. I sincerely hope that those injured in the stampede recover quickly and completely."
The Leader of the Opposition, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, also expressed his grief on X, saying: "I express my deepest condolences and sorrow to the families of all the devotees, including those from Tamil Nadu, who died in the stampede at the Tirupati temple. I pray that those who are seriously injured and hospitalized will make a speedy recovery."
Additionally, the President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, K. Selvaperunthugai, remarked: "It is shocking and heartbreaking to hear that four people have died so far in a stampede to buy tickets for the opening ceremony of the Sorkvavasal in Tirupati. Mallika from Salem also died in the stampede."
The TTD had established approximately 90 counters throughout Tirupati, announcing that tickets would be available starting at 5 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
This announcement attracted tens of thousands of devotees eager to secure their place for darshan. The overwhelming crowd at the counters, including those near Vishnu Nivasam, Bairagipatteda, and Ramachandra Pushkarini, resulted in chaos. Reports indicate that the preparations were insufficient to manage the massive turnout.
The police encountered significant difficulties in controlling the crowd. The injured individuals were promptly transported to the government-run Sri Venkateswara Ramnarain Ruia Hospital for medical attention.
