BJP MP Hema Malini sparked controversy with her remarks about the recent stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela, which resulted in at least 30 deaths and around 60 injuries. Speaking to the media, she downplayed the incident, suggesting that it was being exaggerated and that the situation was under control.
“Yes, an incident took place, but it wasn’t a very big one. I don’t know how big it was, but it’s being blown out of proportion. It was well-managed, and everything was handled very well. With so many people attending, it is challenging to manage, but we are doing our best,” Hema Malini stated. She further praised the Uttar Pradesh government for managing the grand gathering effectively.
The stampede occurred during the second Shahi Snan on Mauni Amawasya at the Mahakumbh Mela, an event that draws millions of devotees. The tragedy has raised concerns, especially among opposition leaders, who criticized the government’s handling of the incident.
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav called for transparency regarding the fatalities and demanded that the government provide accurate information about the deaths, the treatment of the injured, and the event’s arrangements. He also proposed an all-party meeting to address the issue, suggesting that disaster management and the lost-and-found center should be managed by the Army.
Yadav pressed for strict action against those responsible for the stampede and those who allegedly concealed the true numbers. “For the Mahakumbh tragedy, those responsible should face strict punishment, and those who have hidden the truth should also be held accountable. Why were the figures suppressed or erased if there was no guilt?” Yadav questioned.
He further expressed his concern, saying, “Log punye kamane aaye the aur apno ke shav lekar gaye hai,” (People came to earn merit, but they left with the bodies of their loved ones).
