Prayagraj, Feb 4 (PTI) – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched a strong rebuke against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, accusing them of attempting to use the tragic Kumbh Mela stampede for political gain. Adityanath’s criticism follows their statements in Parliament regarding the incident during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
The stampede occurred on January 29, during Mauni Amavasya, one of the most significant days in the Hindu calendar. According to the UP government, at least 30 people lost their lives, and 60 others were injured in the pre-dawn chaos at the Sangam area in Prayagraj.
In response to Kharge and Yadav’s comments in the Lok Sabha, Adityanath addressed the media in Prayagraj, alleging that the two leaders, along with certain “Sanatan-opposing elements,” were hoping for a larger disaster at the event.
“While the entire nation and the world are witnessing this grand Sanatan Dharma event with pride, there are some elements conspiring against it, spreading falsehoods and setting new standards of deception,” Adityanath remarked. He specifically pointed to the statements made by Kharge and Yadav as part of a “sinister agenda” aimed at defaming the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Adityanath accused the opposition leaders of spreading misinformation from the outset of the event. “Their statements not only reveal their anti-Sanatan stance but also expose their vulture-like vision. From day one, they have been spreading lies about the Maha Kumbh,” he alleged.
The Chief Minister took particular aim at Congress leader Kharge, who had claimed in Parliament that “thousands had died on Mauni Amavasya at the Prayagraj Kumbh.” Adityanath slammed Kharge for making "outright lies" in the nation's legislature. “A senior leader heading the country’s oldest party should be making responsible statements, not resorting to deceitful rhetoric,” Adityanath said.
Turning his attention to Akhilesh Yadav, the Chief Minister remarked that there seemed to be a “competition” between Congress and the Samajwadi Party to make the most “anti-Sanatan statements.” Adityanath also dismissed Yadav's accusation that no official data had been released about the incident, stating, “The administration has already published the figures, and I have personally presented them.”
Adityanath acknowledged the tragedy but praised the swift response of the Mela administration and various agencies, including the police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and civil defense teams. He commended their timely efforts in rushing the injured to nearby hospitals.
While expressing sympathy for the victims, Adityanath emphasized, “Our top priority was to ensure zero casualties. Unfortunately, an incident did occur, but the administration and all relevant agencies acted with remarkable speed. The injured were quickly admitted to hospitals, and we offered financial compensation to the affected families, though no amount of money can ever replace a life lost.”
The Chief Minister further assured that the majority of the injured have now recovered and returned home, with some still being treated at Prayagraj Medical College. Adityanath, along with his ministers and top administrative officials, personally visited the victims to offer support.
Despite the tragic incident, the Chief Minister reiterated that the administration's response was swift, and he vowed to continue prioritizing the safety and well-being of those participating in the Kumbh Mela.
The stampede occurred on January 29, during Mauni Amavasya, one of the most significant days in the Hindu calendar. According to the UP government, at least 30 people lost their lives, and 60 others were injured in the pre-dawn chaos at the Sangam area in Prayagraj.
In response to Kharge and Yadav’s comments in the Lok Sabha, Adityanath addressed the media in Prayagraj, alleging that the two leaders, along with certain “Sanatan-opposing elements,” were hoping for a larger disaster at the event.
“While the entire nation and the world are witnessing this grand Sanatan Dharma event with pride, there are some elements conspiring against it, spreading falsehoods and setting new standards of deception,” Adityanath remarked. He specifically pointed to the statements made by Kharge and Yadav as part of a “sinister agenda” aimed at defaming the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Adityanath accused the opposition leaders of spreading misinformation from the outset of the event. “Their statements not only reveal their anti-Sanatan stance but also expose their vulture-like vision. From day one, they have been spreading lies about the Maha Kumbh,” he alleged.
The Chief Minister took particular aim at Congress leader Kharge, who had claimed in Parliament that “thousands had died on Mauni Amavasya at the Prayagraj Kumbh.” Adityanath slammed Kharge for making "outright lies" in the nation's legislature. “A senior leader heading the country’s oldest party should be making responsible statements, not resorting to deceitful rhetoric,” Adityanath said.
Turning his attention to Akhilesh Yadav, the Chief Minister remarked that there seemed to be a “competition” between Congress and the Samajwadi Party to make the most “anti-Sanatan statements.” Adityanath also dismissed Yadav's accusation that no official data had been released about the incident, stating, “The administration has already published the figures, and I have personally presented them.”
Adityanath acknowledged the tragedy but praised the swift response of the Mela administration and various agencies, including the police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and civil defense teams. He commended their timely efforts in rushing the injured to nearby hospitals.
While expressing sympathy for the victims, Adityanath emphasized, “Our top priority was to ensure zero casualties. Unfortunately, an incident did occur, but the administration and all relevant agencies acted with remarkable speed. The injured were quickly admitted to hospitals, and we offered financial compensation to the affected families, though no amount of money can ever replace a life lost.”
The Chief Minister further assured that the majority of the injured have now recovered and returned home, with some still being treated at Prayagraj Medical College. Adityanath, along with his ministers and top administrative officials, personally visited the victims to offer support.
Despite the tragic incident, the Chief Minister reiterated that the administration's response was swift, and he vowed to continue prioritizing the safety and well-being of those participating in the Kumbh Mela.
