Visakhapatnam:Confusion and dissatisfaction surround the distribution of tickets for the highly anticipated Simhachalam Chandanotsavam, with significant controversy erupting over the allocation of tickets under the protocol quota for legislators. The temple administration has clarified that each MLA will receive a maximum of 25 tickets, a decision that has triggered a strong backlash from several elected representatives.
Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao and West MLA Ganababu have reportedly refused to accept their ticket allocations, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. Meanwhile, TD state president Palla Srinivasa Rao has distanced himself from the ongoing dispute. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that, contrary to previous practices, certain public representatives have been granted disproportionately large numbers of tickets, while city MLAs have been sidelined.
In an effort to ensure smooth proceedings for the festival, the state government has appointed a three-member committee to oversee the arrangements. Despite these efforts, the issue of ticket distribution continues to spark controversy. The temple authorities had announced that 70 per cent of the tickets would be sold online, but devotees have faced long queues at banks. While Rs 300 tickets were available online, there have been complaints that slots for the `1,000 and `1,500 tickets were released in limited quantities, adding to the frustration.
Critics argue that the online system, while aimed at increasing accessibility, has led to further complications, as the rush for tickets left many devotees empty-handed within minutes of the booking opening. Despite assurances from officials, delays and allegations of bias continue to cloud the process.
The festival, which is scheduled to begin at midnight on April 19 with the ‘Nijarupa Darshan’ of the deity, has been overshadowed by ticketing issues. The temple administration initially released a limited number of tickets through banks and online four days ahead of the festival, but this was followed by an additional round of sales. On April 16, executive officer Venkata Rao announced that online booking would resume on April 17 at 8:00 am, allowing only one ticket per login. However, reports from devotees indicate that tickets for the higher-priced categories sold out almost immediately.
MLAs from the combined Visakhapatnam district were promised 25 tickets priced at Rs 1,500 each and an additional 25 tickets priced at Rs 1,000 each, along with special ‘Antaralaya Darshan’ privileges for up to six family members. However, these allocations have yet to be fully delivered, with further complaints from the public and business leaders about unresolved requests for tickets.
Letters submitted to the executive officer’s office have been partially forwarded to the District Revenue Officer, who is currently away on official duty, leaving many decisions unaddressed. The EO’s office has been issuing tickets in limited quantities, often granting fewer tickets than requested, while some applications have been completely ignored.
The ongoing ticket controversy continues to cast a shadow over what is meant to be a grand and spiritually significant event for devotees.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
