A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh claimed 30 lives and left over 60 injured, triggering a political storm. Amidst nationwide outrage, BJP MP and veteran actor Hema Malini downplayed the incident, calling it “not a very big incident,” and suggested that the situation was being “exaggerated.”
Speaking just days after her “very nice bath” at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, Hema Malini lauded Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration for handling the event “very well.” She justified the stampede, stating, “So many people are coming… very difficult to manage.”
Her remarks invited strong criticism from the opposition, particularly from Congress MP Tariq Anwar, who accused her of being unaware of the ground reality. “When she visited, she was given VIP treatment. The administration focused on VIPs while neglecting security for common people. If she says this is not a big issue… it is a mockery of the victims,” he said.
Opposition Slams BJP Over Stampede Mismanagement
The opposition has been vocal about the mishandling of the Maha Kumbh stampede, with Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav leading the charge. He demanded strict action against officials “hiding the truth” about the tragedy. Addressing Parliament, he emphasized that the BJP government must take full responsibility.
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SP MP Jaya Bachchan also launched a scathing attack, alleging that authorities dumped victims’ bodies into the Ganga River. “The water in Kumbh is contaminated… bodies have been thrown into the river,” she claimed. Her statement further fueled political tensions, with the BJP accusing her of “hurting Hindu sentiments.”
The controversy intensified as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleged in the Rajya Sabha that “thousands” had perished in the stampede. When pressed for proof, Kharge challenged the government to reveal the actual figures, saying, “Give that information at least. I will apologize if I am wrong.”
BJP Defends Maha Kumbh Arrangements
In response to the backlash, the BJP dismissed opposition allegations as an attempt to politicize the tragedy. The ruling party highlighted that the Uttar Pradesh government had allocated Rs 1,600 crore for Maha Kumbh’s water management and waste disposal.
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However, opposition parties continue to demand a verified list of fatalities, arguing that the Yogi Adityanath-led government is concealing the actual death toll.
Call for Investigation and Transparency
With mounting pressure, demands for an independent probe into the stampede are growing. Leaders from the opposition have insisted on a judicial inquiry to ensure transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, families of the victims await justice as the political blame game continues.
The Maha Kumbh stampede has not only exposed security lapses but also ignited a fierce political debate on governance and public safety at major religious gatherings in India. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether accountability will be established or if the issue will fade into the background amid political rivalries.
