Akhilesh Yadav says government hiding Maha Kumbh stampede death toll, calls out Modi-Yogi government
Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, has publicly criticized the Modi-Yogi government regarding the recent stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which occurred on January 29, 2025. He accused the government of concealing the actual death toll from the incident, which has been reported to be at least 15 but is suspected to be higher, with some estimates suggesting up to 50 fatalities.
During a parliamentary debate, Yadav demanded transparency and accountability from the government, calling for an all-party meeting to discuss the arrangements made for the event and urging that disaster management responsibilities be transferred to the Army. He emphasized that while the government regularly presents budget figures, it should also disclose accurate statistics regarding casualties and the treatment of injured individuals.
Yadav’s comments reflect broader concerns among opposition leaders about the handling of the tragedy. He pointed out that many victims remain unidentified and questioned why there was a lack of proper arrangements at such a significant religious gathering. His remarks were underscored by a poignant statement: “Log punye kamane aaye the aur apno ke shav lekar gaye hai,” meaning “People came to earn merit but left with their loved ones’ bodies,” highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The incident has sparked significant political uproar, with other opposition figures also demanding clarity on the death toll and criticizing the government’s response. BJP MP Hema Malini faced backlash for downplaying the tragedy, stating it was “not a very big incident,” which further fueled criticism from opposition leaders who accused her of negligence.
