Thu May 01 01:16:55 UTC 2025: **Seven Devotees Die in Wall Collapse at Simhachalam Festival; YSRCP Leader Blasts Andhra Pradesh Government**
VISAKHAPATNAM, Andhra Pradesh – Seven devotees died Wednesday in a wall collapse at the Simhachalam temple during the Chandanotsavam festival, prompting sharp criticism from YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Reddy accused the ruling NDA government of negligence, citing inadequate safety measures despite expecting lakhs of attendees.
Reddy visited the families of the deceased in Chandrampalem and subsequently addressed the media. He questioned the construction of the wall just three days prior to the festival, raising concerns about its structural integrity. He also highlighted the lack of basic amenities like toilets and drinking water for devotees.
The YSRCP leader further criticized the government’s response to previous incidents, including stampedes at Tirumala and during the Godavari Pushkarams, alleging a pattern of inaction despite the formation of investigative committees. He accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of deflecting blame and rewarding officials implicated in past tragedies. Reddy stated that compensation was only announced after he announced his visit to console the victims. He demanded accountability from officials to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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