Sat Nov 01 12:35:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The e-paper The Hindu reports on a stampede at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, on Karthika Ekadasi, which resulted in the death of nine devotees. Former Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) criticized the State government for failing to ensure proper facilities for crowd management during the festival. Former Minister Sidiri Appalaraju, a doctor, provided aid to the injured and criticized the government’s neglect of safety in privately managed temples. CPI(M) Srikakulam district secretary D. Govinda Rao echoed the criticism and demanded compensation for the victims’ families.

News Article:

Nine Dead in Temple Stampede; Government Faces Criticism

Srikakulam, India – November 1, 2025 – A tragic stampede at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, has claimed the lives of nine devotees during the Karthika Ekadasi festival. The incident has sparked criticism of the State government’s handling of crowd control measures.

Former Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Dharmana Prasada Rao condemned the government’s failure to ensure proper facilities for devotees, particularly given the expected heavy turnout for the auspicious occasion. He urged YSRCP members to support the families affected by the tragedy.

“The government needs to take responsibility for this avoidable loss of life,” Rao stated.

Former Minister Sidiri Appalaraju, a doctor, was on site providing medical assistance to the injured. He specifically called out the government’s alleged neglect of safety protocols at temples managed by private organizations. Appalaraju emphasized the need for stricter oversight to prevent future incidents.

CPI(M) Srikakulam district secretary D. Govinda Rao also joined the chorus of criticism, accusing the administration of a “casual approach” to crowd management. He demanded adequate compensation for the families of the deceased.

Authorities have yet to issue a formal statement addressing the criticisms. An investigation into the cause of the stampede is reportedly underway.

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