The Opposition parties have launched a scathing attack on the Uttar Pradesh government following a stampede at the Maha Kumbh, which left at least 10 people feared dead and several others injured. They blamed the incident on administrative mismanagement and demanded immediate corrective measures.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed his grief over the tragedy and held the Yogi Adityanath-led government responsible for the chaos. "The news of casualties of devotees in an accident caused by mismanagement at the Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. We appeal to the devotees to exercise restraint and patience in this difficult time and complete their pilgrimage peacefully," Yadav posted on social media. He urged the state administration to enhance arrangements for accommodation, food, water, and other essential facilities for pilgrims.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati also extended her condolences to the victims' families, calling the incident "extremely sad and worrisome."
She said, "At such a time, the party wishes that nature gives the victims the strength to bear this sorrow."
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bhardwaj criticized Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for prioritizing political campaigns over governance. "Instead of political campaigning in Delhi, the CM of UP @myogiadityanath should be in his state to oversee Kumbh arrangements. This is so sad to see pilgrims have to undergo a stampede-like situation," he tweeted. The Maha Kumbh, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, attracts millions of devotees from across the country and abroad.
The stampede has raised concerns over crowd management and safety measures at the event, putting the state administration under intense scrutiny.