Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday submitted a Zero Hour notice in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the tragic stampede that occurred during the Maha Kumbh on January 29. In his notice, Singh highlighted that the Maha Kumbh, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has now witnessed its sixth deadly stampede in the past 70 years.
Singh attributed the stampede to poor management by the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and criticized the prevalent VIP culture at the event. He stated, “The Maha Kumbh has witnessed horrific stampedes for the sixth time in the last 70 years. This incident was a result of the Yogi Adityanath government’s mismanagement and the VIP culture.”
The AAP MP also pointed out the unequal distribution of resources, alleging that while over Rs 10,000 crore was spent on the event’s arrangements, resources were disproportionately allocated. “Luxury cottages, private Ganga baths, and 24/7 control rooms were set up for VIPs, while common devotees were left stranded in overcrowded areas with barricades and insufficient routes,” Singh said.
Singh further revealed that eyewitnesses reported that devotees had requested the police to open additional routes before the stampede, but their pleas were ignored. He also highlighted the shocking fact that VIP passes were priced at Rs 255,000 per person. “Was this the cost of the lives lost?” he asked, referring to the 30 lives lost in the recent tragedy and over 90 people who were injured.
The AAP leader criticized the security arrangements, stating that while VIPs had unrestricted access, common devotees were left to face perilous conditions. “As of February 3, over 340 million devotees had attended the Maha Kumbh, but the security arrangements were clearly insufficient. VIPs enjoyed easy access, while ordinary devotees faced unsafe circumstances,” Singh added.
The stampede at the Triveni Sangam Ghat, which occurred on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, has raised serious concerns about government accountability. The incident claimed 30 lives and left more than 60 injured, prompting Singh to call for an urgent discussion in the Rajya Sabha. “This incident exposes the government’s failure, and I request permission to raise this important issue during Zero Hour,” Singh concluded.
