TTD Chairman's Sharp Response to Pawan Kalyan: Apologies Can't Revive the Deceased
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Tirupati, Jan 10 (NationPress) In a statement that may cause discomfort for the coalition government in Andhra Pradesh, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Chairman B.R. Naidu remarked on Friday that offering an apology for the recent stampede at Tirupati will not bring back those who have lost their lives.
This remark came in response to Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's suggestion for him to apologize for the January 8 incident, which resulted in the deaths of six devotees and injuries to several others during the distribution of special darshan tickets for the Tirumala temple.
“Apologizing is not an issue. However, an apology does not restore the lives lost. It is unnecessary to react to every statement made by others,” Naidu stated when approached by the media regarding Kalyan's advice.
The TTD Chairman further expressed that even though TTD board members were not culpable for the Tirupati stampede, “we extend our apologies to the devotees.”
Naidu acknowledged that there was a mistake and mentioned, “An investigation is currently underway to determine how this occurred and who is responsible. Appropriate actions will be taken against anyone found at fault.”
Previously, Pawan Kalyan insisted that TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu, board members, executive officer J. Shayamala Rao, and additional executive officer must apologize to the victims of the stampede.
During his visit to Tirupati on Thursday, the Jana Sena leader suggested an apology and reiterated his viewpoint while speaking at a meeting in his Assembly constituency, Pithapuram, in Pithapuram district.
The Deputy Chief Minister also urged TTD officials to listen to the heart-wrenching stories of the stampede victims, advocating that they should express remorse and take responsibility for their shortcomings that led to the unfortunate event.
He emphasized that the TTD chairman and others should apologize to both the victims and the citizens of the state for their inability to manage the large gathering of devotees.
“You must apologize by conducting a press conference,” he advised.
“Everyone associated with the government must be accountable for every situation. Regarding the stampede, I have expressed my sorrow to the people of Andhra Pradesh, even though I am not to blame. It is a collective obligation for all in the government to take responsibility for this incident,” he added.
The actor-politician pointed out that TTD officials should understand that while no one can restore the lives lost in the stampede, it is essential to apologize for what transpired.
