New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – Independent Lok Sabha MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, stirred controversy on Tuesday with his remarks on the recent Maha Kumbh stampede in Prayagraj. Addressing the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in Parliament, Yadav stated that he wished for politicians and wealthy attendees at the Maha Kumbh to "die there" to attain moksha (salvation).
Referring to an unnamed religious figure, Yadav said, “I won’t name the baba, but I will quote him… He said all those who died in the stampede have attained moksha. So, I want that most babas, politicians, and those with big money should also take a dip (in the Sangam) and die there to attain moksha or kalyan.”
Allegations Over Death Toll Cover-Up
The stampede, which occurred in the early hours of January 29 during the second Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, led to the deaths of at least 30 people and left 60 others injured, as per official figures released by the Uttar Pradesh government.However, Yadav alleged that the real death toll was much higher. “Even during (Jawaharlal) Nehru’s time, people died in a stampede during the Kumbh, but there was a count. There was no social media then. But today, with advanced technology and platforms, people are saying at least 300-600 bodies were removed, and they weren’t even cremated as per Hindu rituals,” he claimed.
Stampede Sparks Political Uproar in Parliament
The tragedy continued to dominate discussions in both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the government of concealing the actual death toll and called for strict action against those allegedly covering up the “mismanagement” of the event.Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy described the incident as one of the worst tragedies in Independent India. Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and other opposition leaders demanded a list of the deceased, pressing the government for transparency.
BJP Suspects a Conspiracy
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, countered these allegations, suggesting a possible conspiracy behind the stampede. “Once the probe is over, those responsible will have to hang their heads in shame,” BJP leaders asserted.As investigations continue, the political blame game over the Maha Kumbh stampede remains a focal point, with opposition parties demanding accountability and the ruling party pushing back against accusations of mismanagement.
