BJP MP Hema Malini downplayed the Mahakumbh stampede on Tuesday, stating that it was not a significant incident and asserting that the Uttar Pradesh government has been efficiently managing the massive religious gathering.
“We went to Kumbh and had a wonderful bath. Yes, an incident took place, but it wasn’t very big. I don’t know the exact scale, but it is being exaggerated. Everything was well-managed, and efforts are being made to handle the large crowds,” Hema Malini told ANI.
The stampede occurred during the second Shahi Snan on Mouni Amavasya, leading to at least 30 fatalities and injuring around 60 people. The tragedy sparked criticism from opposition leaders, questioning the government’s handling of the event.
Akhilesh Yadav Slams BJP Government in Lok Sabha
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, speaking in the Lok Sabha, accused the government of suppressing the actual death toll.
“For the Mahakumbh tragedy, strict action should be taken against those responsible, and those hiding the truth must be held accountable. If the government is innocent, why were the numbers concealed?” he asked.
He further alleged that authorities had to use earthmovers to collect the bodies and demanded transparency regarding the number of casualties, medical treatment for the injured, and availability of essential resources at the event.
“The government is quick to highlight budget figures, but where are the real numbers of those who lost their lives in the Kumbh stampede?” he questioned.