KUMAR CHAND PULLAGURA
Who are the Dasara celebrations at Kanaka Durga Temple on Indrakeeladri in Vijayawada really meant for? Are they for ordinary devotees or only for high-profile individuals? This question has sparked growing criticism over the management of this year’s festivities.
Allegations have surfaced that duty passes for the celebrations are being issued selectively, while media representatives who cover the temple’s events every year have been denied access. Critics have questioned the roles of the temple’s Trust Board chairman, Executive Officer (EO), district administration and other officials in the process.
According to allegations, some private individuals with no official connection to the temple were found carrying duty passes. A purported undercover operation by True Point Media reportedly brought this issue to light, raising questions about the transparency of the pass distribution system.
The controversy intensified after media representatives were allegedly denied passes on the first day of the Sharannavaratri celebrations. Journalists staged protests throughout the day, expressing frustration over the lack of clarity and delays in issuing passes. Despite the demonstrations, District Collector Lakshmisha was criticized for not responding to the situation.
Initially, temple officials reportedly indicated that the passes would be issued through the Collector’s office. Later, responsibility appeared to shift between the Collector’s office, the Police Commissioner’s office and the District Public Relations Officer (DPRO). Reports also circulated that passes were being issued through an MP’s office. For nearly ten days, media representatives allegedly received no clear information despite repeated inquiries.
Just two days before the festivities, temple officials reportedly distanced themselves from the process, stating that passes would be issued only through the Collector’s or Police Commissioner’s offices. Media representatives were also asked to submit an online form, but the process reportedly failed to provide clarity.
On the first evening of the celebrations, journalists were reportedly called to the DRDA office on the Collector’s premises to collect passes. However, DPRO staff allegedly refused to issue passes to some journalists, citing the absence of accreditation cards. Additional requirements reportedly included an Aadhaar card linked to Vijayawada, further intensifying the controversy.
Media representatives have also questioned how certain YouTube channels allegedly received passes two days before the festivities without facing the same restrictions. They suspect that the rules were applied selectively, although these allegations require verification.
Questions have additionally been raised over remarks attributed to the temple’s EO regarding alleged irregularities in the parking area, with critics questioning the level of accountability shown by temple authorities.
The controversy has fueled allegations that restrictions were deliberately imposed on mainstream media coverage of the celebrations. The temple’s EO, Trust Board chairman and district administration are facing criticism over the handling of the issue.
As devotees arrive seeking the blessings of Goddess Kanaka Durga, the controversy raises a fundamental question: should access to the temple’s celebrations depend on influence and recommendations, or should the system operate transparently and fairly for everyone?
The delay in resolving the media pass issue continues to draw attention, with many awaiting a clear explanation from the authorities.