New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI): BJP MP Hema Malini on Tuesday downplayed the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, stating that the incident was not "very big" and was being "exaggerated." Her remarks come in the wake of mounting political criticism over the handling of the massive religious congregation.
The stampede occurred on January 29, coinciding with Mauni Amavasya, one of the holiest days in the Hindu calendar. According to official figures from the Uttar Pradesh government, at least 30 people lost their lives, and 60 others sustained injuries in the pre-dawn chaos at the Sangam area.
Hema Malini, who had also taken a dip at the Maha Kumbh on the same day, insisted that the event was being managed well despite the unfortunate incident.
"We had gone to Kumbh… We had a nice bath… Everything was well managed. It is true that the incident (stampede) took place, but itna kuch bada nahi hua tha (it was not a very big incident). I don’t know how big it was, but it is being exaggerated… Everything was done very well… So many people are coming; it is very difficult to manage, but we are doing our best," she told reporters at the Parliament House complex.
Opposition Slams Government Over ‘Cover-Up’ Allegations
The stampede tragedy sparked a heated debate in both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, with Opposition leaders demanding accountability.Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the government of concealing the true death toll and called for strict action against those responsible for the alleged mismanagement.
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy described the tragedy as one of the worst stampedes in independent India, criticizing the government's handling of the crisis.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other opposition leaders raised the issue in Parliament on Monday, demanding that the government release the names of the deceased to ensure transparency.
BJP Alleges ‘Conspiracy’ Behind Stampede
In contrast, the ruling BJP suggested that a conspiracy was at play in the tragic incident, stating that those behind it would be exposed once the probe concludes."Once the investigation is complete, those responsible will have to hang their heads in shame," a BJP leader asserted.
With rising political tensions over the Maha Kumbh stampede, calls for an impartial probe and improved crowd management strategies at future religious gatherings continue to gain momentum.
