New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the government, accusing it of concealing the actual death toll from the recent stampede at the Kumbh congregation in Prayagraj. He demanded strict action against those attempting to mask the alleged "mismanagement" in organizing the religious gathering.
Participating in the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address, Yadav criticized the administration for boasting about a "digital Kumbh" while allegedly hiding the true "digits" of the deceased.
"The government keeps announcing budget figures, but why not disclose the real number of those who lost their lives at the Kumbh?" Yadav questioned.
Calls for Transparency and Military Involvement
The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister urged the government to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the Kumbh arrangements. He suggested that disaster management and the Lost and Found Centre be handed over to the Army to ensure better handling of emergencies.He further demanded that Parliament be provided with detailed figures regarding the casualties, medical aid, availability of medicines, doctors, food, water, and transportation arrangements during the Kumbh Mela.
Traditions Disrupted Amid Chaos
Yadav alleged that in the wake of the stampede, the government asked seers to delay the sacred 'shahi snan', an important ritual performed during a unique planetary alignment."The government interfered with religious traditions by postponing the 'shahi snan.' Later, under public pressure, they reversed the decision—disregarding the sanctity of the specific mahurat (auspicious timing)," Yadav asserted.
Allegations of Disrespect in Handling the Dead
The SP leader further claimed that JCB machines and tractor trollies were used to clear bodies from the scene, describing the government’s response as inhumane."Devotees came seeking blessings, but tragically had to leave with the bodies of their loved ones. The true numbers of the dead remain a mystery, as the government refuses to acknowledge them," he remarked.
Lashing out at the administration, Yadav highlighted the contradiction in the government's actions. "They were showering flowers from helicopters while bodies lay in the mortuary. What kind of 'sanatan' (timeless) tradition is this?"
Delayed Response from UP CM
Yadav also criticized Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his delayed reaction to the tragedy."The Chief Minister expressed grief a full 17 hours after both the President and the Prime Minister had already done so," he claimed, questioning the government’s sincerity in addressing the crisis.
The allegations from Yadav have intensified scrutiny on the government's handling of the Kumbh stampede, sparking demands for transparency and accountability in the wake of the tragic incident.
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