Mahakumbh stampede: Why govt not revealing actual number of deaths, asks Congress

The Congress on Sunday asked why the government is not revealing the actual number of deaths in the stampede that broke out at the Mahakumbh site in Prayagraj on January 29.

According to Uttar Pradesh Police, 30 people died and 60 others were injured in the tragedy that took place in the early hours of Wednesday, on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

"The BJP government, which gives the number of crores of devotees visiting the Maha Kumbh every day, is not revealing the actual number of dead even after five days. It is clear from the whole matter that this government is the culprit and wants to escape blame," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.

Ramesh cited a media report which claimed that the state administration has not given an update on the number of deaths even after four days of the incident.

He said the government's attempt to hide the figures clearly shows that they are only interested in promoting their politics.

"Wherever credit has to be taken, all BJP members come forward to promote Modi-Yogi, but now when the responsibility is becoming theirs, they are running away from it," he added.

The Congress has been targeting the Yogi Adityanath government for the alleged mismanagement and VIP movement at the Kumbh Mela site.

“Half-baked arrangements, VIP movement, paying more attention to self-promotion and mismanagement are responsible for this (stampede),” party president Mallikarjun Kharge had said.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav even demanded that the management of the event be immediately handed over to the Army. 

Meanwhile, authorities are keeping a high vigil in Prayagraj ahead of the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan on Monday. 

Chief Minister Adityanath has directed that all doctors across Mahakumbh Nagar and the entire division remain vigilant to ensure the safety and well-being of devotees, the government said on Sunday.