Hema Malini Downplays Maha Kumbh Stampede, Opposition Slams Government Over Tragedy
BJP MP and actor-turned-politician Hema Malini stirred controversy on Tuesday by describing the recent Maha Kumbh stampede as “not a very big incident” and claiming the matter is being “exaggerated.” She asserted that the congregation in Prayagraj was being managed well despite the tragedy.
The stampede occurred on January 29 during Mauni Amavasya, one of the holiest days in the Hindu calendar. Official reports from the Uttar Pradesh government confirmed at least 30 fatalities and 60 injuries in the pre-dawn chaos at the Sangam area in Prayagraj.
Speaking to reporters at the Parliament complex, Malini said, “We went to the Kumbh, had a nice bath, and found everything to be well-managed. Yes, the incident happened, but itna kuch bada nahi hua tha (it wasn’t a very big incident). I feel it’s being exaggerated. Managing such a massive crowd is incredibly challenging, and yet everything was done very well.”
Malini, who herself participated in the Maha Kumbh and took a holy dip on the day of the stampede, dismissed claims of mismanagement. When asked about allegations from opposition leaders that the government was underreporting the number of deaths, she responded, “The opposition will say whatever they want. It’s their job to criticize and spread misinformation.”
The stampede tragedy reverberated in both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, with opposition parties criticizing the BJP-led government for alleged mismanagement and lack of transparency.
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the government of suppressing the actual death toll and demanded strict action against those responsible for the fair’s alleged disorganization. “The government is hiding the facts about the tragedy. This is a clear case of mismanagement, and those accountable must face consequences,” Yadav stated.
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy termed the stampede “one of the worst tragedies in independent India,” demanding accountability and better crowd management measures.
On Monday, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and other opposition leaders raised the issue in Parliament, calling for a comprehensive list of those who lost their lives in the incident.
In response, the ruling BJP claimed there may be a conspiracy behind the tragic event and assured that those responsible for any wrongdoing would be held accountable. “Once the investigation is complete, those behind the incident will have to hang their heads in shame,” a BJP spokesperson stated.
The Maha Kumbh, which attracts millions of devotees from across India, poses immense logistical challenges due to the sheer scale of the event. However, the opposition maintains that the government must take responsibility for ensuring the safety of all pilgrims.
As the political blame game continues, families of the victims await answers, hoping that the tragedy will lead to actionable reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.
