YSRCP leader slams coalition government over lack of facilities for devotees at Indrakeeladri

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and former MLA Malladi Vishnu has criticised the coalition government and Endowments department over alleged inadequate facilities for devotees attending the ongoing Sarannavaratri festivities at Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada.Addressing the media at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli, Mr. Vishnu alleged that devotees were waiting for hours without adequate drinking water, food and medical assistance, while VIPs and social media influencers were being given priority.He expressed concern over the difficulties faced by women, children and elderly devotees, citing reported incidents of a child sustaining a head injury and a woman suffering a hand injury amid overcrowding. He questioned the effectiveness of crowd management and demanded immediate measures to ensure the safety of devotees.Mr. Vishnu also criticised restrictions allegedly imposed on journalists covering the festivities. He claimed that reporters and camera crews faced difficulties obtaining passes, while around 80 to 100 social media influencers had been invited to the temple and paid thousands of rupees from temple funds.Questioning the expenditure, he demanded that the NTR District Collector disclose the number of influencers permitted and the amount spent on them. He alleged that publicity was receiving greater attention than providing essential facilities to devotees.The former MLA further alleged a lack of coordination among officials and inadequate ministerial supervision. Recalling the previous YSRCP government’s arrangements, he said ministers had personally monitored preparations under former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.Mr. Vishnu also criticised the alleged additional financial burden on traders during the Vijayawada festivities and questioned the government’s response to the demand for declaring Dasara a State festival. He said the previous YSRCP government had allocated ₹80 crore for temple development, the Maha Mandapam and annadanam.Demanding immediate provision of drinking water, food and medical facilities, Mr. Vishnu urged the Endowments Minister, District Collector and senior officials to address the concerns.He warned that the YSRCP would launch a direct protest at Indrakeeladri if the authorities failed to resolve the issues promptly. Published - October 11, 2026 07:19 pm IST