Tirupati Stampede: President Murmu, PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi Express Condolences

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh: Six people were killed and more than 20 critically injured in a stampede in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati on Wednesday (January 8) evening. The incident occurred around 8 pm at three places where Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets were to be issued from Thursday morning.

The stampede was generated when the gate was opened to let out a woman who was feeling unwell, but the gathered devotees surged forward all at once, leading the situation out of control, B R Naidu, chairman of the Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD) said.

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Horrific stampede in Tirupati Temple while buying token.
6 pilgrims died.

Our system miserably fails in safety measures.#TirupatiStampede #tirupatitemple pic.twitter.com/p5gzX3zPzj

— Vije (@vijeshetty) January 8, 2025

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that the tragic incident has “shocked” and “deeply disturbed” him. Naidu is scheduled visit  Tirumala on Thursday and meet the injured.

President Draupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and many others expressed condolence over the tragic loss of lives in the incident.

In a post on X, Prime Minister wrote, “Pained by the stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. The AP Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”

Pained by the stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. The AP Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 8, 2025

“The tragic stampede in Tirupati is deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing a swift recovery to all those injured. I urge Congress leaders and workers to provide all possible assistance during this difficult time,” Rahul Gandhi wrote on X.

The tragic stampede in Tirupati is deeply saddening.

My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing a swift recovery to all those injured.

I urge Congress leaders and workers to provide all possible assistance during this difficult time.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 8, 2025

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The TTD had arranged around 90 counters at various centres in Tirupati to distribute free tokens for darshan and it would be made available from 5 AM on Thursday (January 9, 2025). The announcement has resulted in bringing tens of thousands of people, to ensure their spot.

“Elaborate arrangements have been made for the 10 days of the Vaikunta Dwara Darshan, to be held from Friday (January 10), keeping in mind the huge turnout of devotees,” BR Naidu told The Indian Express.