A devastating stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, in the early hours of Wednesday claimed the lives of at least 30 people and left 60 injured. The tragic event has triggered widespread criticism, with opposition leaders blaming the Uttar Pradesh and central governments for mismanagement.
Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury strongly condemned the lack of immediate response, pointing out that thousands of devotees from West Bengal were stranded, with no way to contact their families. He criticized both the Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal governments for failing to set up a helpline in time. “Despite repeated requests, no assistance has been arranged,” he stated.
Political leaders from the Communist Party of India (CPI) also expressed outrage, calling the incident an “administrative failure.” CPI state secretary Swapan Banerjee accused authorities of prioritizing financial gain over public safety. “Crores were spent on advertisements, yet essential safety measures were ignored,” he alleged. He also highlighted skyrocketing travel costs, chaotic train services, and overcrowded transport, which made the pilgrimage more difficult for devotees.
Religious leaders echoed these concerns, stressing that prior warnings about massive crowds were ignored. Swami Paramatmananda Maharaj of Shri Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara urged the government to release an official list of casualties and missing persons while calling for better crowd management strategies. “More bathing ghats should have been constructed to prevent such disasters,” he said.
As panic spreads among the families of missing devotees, pressure is mounting on authorities to take swift action. Demands for a dedicated helpline, proper relief measures, and accountability continue to grow. The tragedy at Kumbh Mela highlights the urgent need for better crowd management and proactive safety planning in mass gatherings.
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