New Delhi, Feb 2 (PTI) – The Congress has accused the BJP-led government of withholding the actual number of casualties in the Maha Kumbh stampede, alleging that the administration is trying to evade responsibility.
The tragic incident, which occurred on January 29 at Sangam, resulted in the deaths of at least 30 pilgrims, while 60 others were injured. The police attributed the stampede to severe overcrowding.
Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, questioned the lack of transparency, citing a media report that claimed the state administration has yet to provide an official update on the number of deaths, even four days after the tragedy.
"The BJP government, which proudly announces the number of crores of devotees visiting the Maha Kumbh daily, is now silent about the actual death toll. This clearly indicates that the government is trying to shield itself from accountability," Ramesh stated.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he accused the government of prioritizing political optics over accountability, stating:
"Wherever credit is to be taken, BJP leaders rush to highlight Modi-Yogi. But when it comes to taking responsibility, they are nowhere to be seen."
The Congress leader’s remarks have intensified the political debate over crowd management failures at the religious gathering. Meanwhile, the BJP government has yet to respond to the allegations.
