Maha Kumbh Stampede Not ‘Very Big’: BJP’s Hema Malini On Opposition’s Charge

Last Updated:February 04, 2025, 16:46 IST

According to official figures released by the Uttar Pradesh government, at least 30 people lost their lives and 60 were injured in the pre-dawn stampede at the Sangam area in Prayagraj.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Hema Malini on Tuesday hit out the at the opposition over the January 29 stampede at the Maha Kumbh mela saying that it was not a “big incident” and the opposition is “exaggerating” it.

She further said that the event is “very-well managed” and applauded the Yogi Aditayanath government for managing the massive crowd.

“We had gone to Kumbh… We had a nice bath… Everything was well managed. It is right that the incident (stampede) took place … Itna kuch bada nai hua tha (it was not a very big incident). I don’t know how big it was. It is being exaggerated… It was very well-managed, and everything was done very well… So many people are coming, it is very difficult to manage but we are doing our best…,” Malini told reporters in the Parliament House complex.

Asked about Opposition members alleging that the government was hiding the number of deaths in the stampede, she said, “They will say whatever they want to… It is their job to say wrong things.”

The actor-turned politician had also taken a dip during Maha Kumbh on the day of stampede.

Akhilesh Yadav Alleges Govt Hiding Actual Death Toll

Her remarks came hours after Samajwadi Party chief and Kannuaj MP Akhilesh Yadav questioned the Uttar Pradesh government over the stampede which claimed the lives of at least 30 people and left 60 others injured.

Yadav alleged that the government was hiding the number of deaths in the stampede and demanded strict action against those trying to cover up the “mismanagement” in organising the fair.

“While the government is continuously giving budget figures, please also give the figures of those who died in Maha Kumbh. I demand an all-party meeting should be called to give clarification about the arrangements for Maha Kumbh. The responsibility of Maha Kumbh disaster management and lost and found centre should be given to the Army,” he said.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Saugata Roy further said the deaths in a stampede at the ongoing Kumbh was one of the worst tragedies in independent India.

Jaya Bachchan Claimed Water Is Most ‘Contaminated’ At Maha Kumbh

Samajwadi Party (SP) Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan on Monday claimed that the Triveni Sangam water at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has been contaminated due to the bodies being dumped into the river following the recent stampede.

She further claimed that while VIPs are getting special treatment, ordinary devotees have been left without proper facilities. “The common people visiting Kumbh are not receiving any special treatment, and there is no arrangement for them,” she reiterated.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and other Opposition leaders on Monday raised the issue in Parliament demanding a list of the deceased.

The ruling BJP, on the other hand, said it smelt a conspiracy behind the stampede and that those responsible for it will have to hang their heads in shame once the probe is over.

Maha Kumbh Stampede

During the Mauni Amavasya dip on January 29, a stampede at Sangam Nose resulted in the death of 30 people and left 60 injured. Police said due to the massive rush, the devotees jostled for space, breaking a barrier that led to the commotion.

Held once every 12 years, people attend Maha Kumbh to take a dip in the sacred waters, believed to wash away sins and purify the soul. The event has been set up at around 4,000 hectares and will continue till February 26.

(With inputs from agencies)