AP says Chandrababu Naidu was not focus
Says the shooting by national geographic was to enlighten the world about maha pushkaralu
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2015-07-20 02:01 GMT
Hyderabad: The state government said on Sunday that it had asked the National Geographic Channel to videograph the Godavari Maha Pushkaralu as it occurs once in 144 years. It was not aimed at giving publicity for any individual, the government said. In a statement released, Parakala Prabhakar, media adviser to the government said, “We asked the channel to film the Maha Puskharalu to enlighten the world... on the greatness and transcendence of the river Godavari.”
“It is a Rs 60-lakh project and we took the decision as the fete occurs rarely. This was not aimed at giving personal publicity for any individual and it is totally wrong to say that the CM’s bath and puja were delayed due to the filming of the event. It is quite unfortunate to make this an issue,” he said.
Mr Prabhakar dismissed reports that Tollywood director Boyapati Srinu had filmed the documentary. The director has nothing to do with this issue, Mr Prabhakar said.
The CM has ordered a judicial enquiry into the tragedy and some procedures have to be followed to appoint the judge to conduct the probe, he said. He also said the CM had been working overtime to ensure that foolproof arrangements were made.
“Mr Naidu had gone round every ghat the whole night of Saturday and returned to his guest house at 5.30 am and again on Sunday, he started moving from about 10.30 am. That is his commitment and he is trying his best to motivate all staff,” he said.