Andhra Pradesh ministers to face the heat for being irresponsible about Pushkaralu arrangements

Hyderabad: Under concerted attacks by opposition parties over the deaths on the first day of the Godavari Pushkaralu, neither Andhra Pradesh Chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, nor any of his ministers, have managed to give a suitable reply.

Read: Andhra Pradesh meetings did not factor in stampede

But on his part, Mr Naidu has decided to act tough on those who failed to comply with his orders. The ministers who might face his wrath are said to be N. China Rajappa, Kamineni Srinivas and P. Narayana.

Read: Police remain mute spectator at ghats during the stampede

Home Minister Rajapppa, who hails from the area, was responsible for police deployment and to avoid any untoward incident. It is now being pointed out that his department failed in crowd management.

Thousands of people gather during the Pushkaralu festival on the bank of the Godavari River in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh (Photo: AP)

Read: Dip in only holy ghat lead to the stampede

Mr Kamineni Srinivas, who was supposed to ensure medical and health services, was in the US for a long time till recently, participating in Tana and NATs fete. It has been alleged that there were no emergency kits and ambulances at most of the ghats.

Read: Centre’s rules for managing crowds ignored in Maha Pushkaralu festival

Mr P. Narayna, who heads the main arrangements committee, has been busy with capital construction-related issues and travelling with Mr Naidu to Japan, leaving the arrangements to lower cadre staff. The fact that he sidelined endowments minister Pydikondala Manikyala Rao is also being criticised.

Policemen stand near dead bodies of victims of the stampede in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh (Photo: AP)

Sources said a Cabinet rejig is likely to take place next month where changes will be effected. The ministers may be eased out or given other portfolios. Some officers and ministers have reportedly complained to the CM that media advisor Parakala Prabhakar, who is also heading a committee, should also be held responsible. But sources said any action against him is unlikely given the patronage he enjoys with Mr Naidu.

Read: Man loses four family members and his 12-year-old son in the Pushkaralu stampede

Other staff, including the district machinery in East Godavari district, may also bear the brunt of the CM’s displeasure, it is learnt.