DJs Issue: Lokesh Should Not Have Made That Tweet

Tragedies struck Ganesh immersion celebrations in Andhra Pradesh, with several people reportedly losing their lives. In Kurnool district, a woman collapsed and died amid loud DJ music during the Ganesh immersion celebrations.

In Done, a young man who took part in the Ganesh immersion procession reportedly died after suffering a heart attack. Two more people are reportedly dead in the combined Anantapur district.

These incidents have raised concerns about very loud DJ music and the risk of heart problems during Ganesh immersion and processions Organisers need to be more careful to prevent such tragedies during Ganesh celebrations. However, IT and Human Resources minister Nara Lokesh seems to be in the tight spot now due to his direct interference in the issue.

Just a couple of days ago, Nara Lokesh posted on X: “I am getting messages saying the police are not issuing permissions for DJ vehicles during Ganesh Nimmajanam. I request Home Minister Anitha Garu and the DGP Garu to ensure permissions are given without hassle. Not a single DJ vehicle should be seized.”

By making such a request publicly on X, Nara Lokesh may have given people the impression that DJ vehicles were officially allowed. Many youngsters could take his message as a green signal to use loud DJs during the celebrations. Lokesh could have simply spoken to senior police officials or called Home Minister Anitha and asked her to allow DJs with strict rules.

On such a sensitive issue like this, a public message needs to be very clear. If DJs are allowed, there should also be clear limits on sound levels, timings and other safety rules.

With several deaths reported during the celebrations, organisers and officials need to take the risks seriously and ensure that such incidents do not happen again. At the same time, Lokesh needs to be more cautious and more careful on such sensitive matters, because these are issues with double-edged swords and need a balanced approach.