Babu clarifies why he chose not visit Simhachalam

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, addressing the media on Wednesday, clarified that he chose not to visit the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam following the tragic wall collapse on April 30, 2025, to avoid causing disruptions for devotees.

The incident, which claimed eight lives during the Chandanotsavam festival, prompted Naidu to prioritize the smooth continuation of temple activities and devotee safety over a personal visit.

“I deeply mourn the loss of lives at Simhachalam, but I decided against visiting the temple to ensure there was no inconvenience to the devotees or hindrance to the ongoing relief and investigation efforts,” Naidu stated.

He emphasized that his government is focused on supporting the affected families, with Rs25 lakh ex-gratia payments and outsourced jobs under the Endowments Department already announced for the kin of the deceased.

Naidu also highlighted the formation of a three-member committee to probe the collapse, underscoring his commitment to transparency and preventing future tragedies.

Take pride in Amaravati

Naidu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to accelerating development works for Amaravati, the state’s capital city. Emphasizing the need for collective pride in the project, Naidu urged the people of Andhra Pradesh to take ownership of Amaravati, much like Telangana’s embrace of Hyderabad and Karnataka’s pride in Bengaluru.

Speaking at a review meeting on the capital’s infrastructure progress, Naidu announced that key projects, including government complexes, roads, and green spaces, are being fast-tracked to transform Amaravati into a world-class city.

Not just a capital

“Amaravati is not just a capital; it’s our identity and future. Like Hyderabad shines for Telangana and Bengaluru for Karnataka, Amaravati must reflect Andhra Pradesh’s aspirations,” he said.

Naidu also outlined plans to ensure sustainable development, with a focus on smart city technologies and investor-friendly policies. He called on citizens to unite in making Amaravati a symbol of progress, assuring that the government is working tirelessly to meet timelines and elevate the city’s global stature.