Naidu Responsible For Pushkar Deaths: Jagan

The Leader of the Opposition in Andhra Pradesh Y S Jaganmohan Reddy today took potshots at Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu after moving a motion of condolence for the 29 stampede deaths that happened during the first day of the Godavari Pushkarams at Rajahmundry earlier this year.

Comparing Naidu's condolences to the bereaved family members of the pushkar ghat victims to "ghosts chanting Vedas", Jagan alleged that the state government had failed to pay compensation to the families.

Jagan attributed the stampede deaths to Naidu's craze for publicity. Had Naidu not switched to the pushkar ghat meant for the common people from the VIP ghat, the fatal stampede claiming 29 deaths would not have occurred, he said, and accused Naidu of killing the 29 devotees due to his ruthless desire for publicity to shoot a short film.

When the Leader of the Opposition tried to continue his tirade, an annoyed Naidu warned of serious action if Jagan failed to refrain from making derogatory remarks.

Naidu claimed that his government was committed to welfare and was doing its best for the state's development, and slammed Jagan for telling lies to misguide the people.

Taking objection to certain comments made by Jagan, Legislative Affairs Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, too, said that it was not proper for the Opposition leader to speak in a provocative tone.

Speaker Kodela Siva Prasad Rao also told the Leader of the Opposition that some comments made by him were derogatory in nature, and suggested that they be withdrawn.

At this juncture, the Opposition members trooped into the well of the House in protest.

Even as the YSR Congress Party members continued their protests, Naidu said that the government was ready for debate on any issue, and found fault with the Opposition for holding protests during an obituary reference.