Seethakka rejects allegations of mismanagement of Sammakka-Saralamma Maha Jatara

Seethakka defends against mismanagement claims regarding Sammakka-Saralamma Maha Jatara, highlighting successful crowd management and sanitation efforts.

Local MLA and Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) on Sunday strongly refuted allegations of mismanagement during the Sammakka-Saralamma Maha Jatara, which was held from January 28 to 31, stating that a deliberate smear campaign was being spread on social media to malign her.

Speaking to reporters, the Minister alleged that certain groups had been attempting to create confusion ever since the temple development works began.

Admitting that traffic congestion occurred at a few stretches owing to an unusually large number of VIP vehicles, Ms. Seethakka clarified that special arrangements were made to ensure smooth traffic flow at the Gattamma temple near Mulugu town, which devotees traditionally visit before reaching the Medaram shrine.

“Many VIPs arrived with 30 to 40 vehicles, causing unavoidable jams. Still, we ensured smooth traffic movement on major routes. Devotees had darshan without difficulty, and the government regrets any inconvenience caused to a few,” she said, adding that no major accidents were reported this time due to strict monitoring and coordinated efforts by various departments.

The Minister, who also hails from the Koya tribal community, noted that the newly built permanent temple structures played a crucial role in managing the unprecedented turnout of devotees.

“Earlier, one to two lakh devotees visited per day until the day before the commencement of the Maha Jatara. But after the construction of the new temple, nearly eight lakh arrived on a single day,” she said and added that the surge was manageable because permanent infrastructure had replaced temporary arrangements, and drinking water and sanitation facilities were prepared well in advance.