New Delhi, January 4 : Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that the government is concealing the actual number of deaths that occurred during the stampede at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. He called for strict action against those involved in covering up the mismanagement of the event's organization.
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During a debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, Yadav criticized the government's claims of organizing a "digital Kumbh," asserting that they were hiding the true numbers of the deceased. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister urged the government to convene an all-party meeting to review the event's arrangements and suggested that the Army take over disaster management and the Lost and Found Center.
Yadav demanded that the government release detailed figures regarding the deaths, injuries, availability of medical aid, food, water, and transport at the Kumbh. He questioned why the government continually provided budget figures but neglected to disclose the fatalities.
Furthermore, Yadav called for disciplinary action against the officials who attempted to cover up the poor management surrounding the Kumbh. He emphasized that the figures related to the stampede, medical care, and other critical resources should be presented in Parliament for transparency.
Yadav also pointed out that when the stampede occurred, the government instructed religious leaders (seers) to delay the 'shahi snan,' a holy bath conducted during the Kumbh at a specific planetary alignment. He claimed this disrupted important traditions, and when public outcry ensued, the government reversed its decision, disregarding the significance of the bath's timing.
The SP leader further alleged that the government used JCB machines and tractor trollies to clear bodies left behind after the stampede. He described the scene as tragic, with bodies and personal belongings scattered around. According to Yadav, the government attempted to cover up the situation after public backlash, even as the bodies were left unattended in the mortuary.
Yadav also criticized Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister for not expressing condolences until 17 hours after both the President and the Prime Minister had offered their sympathy for the victims.
