A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela claimed 30 lives and left over 60 injured, turning the world’s largest religious gathering into a scene of chaos. While opposition parties criticized the Uttar Pradesh government’s handling of the event, BJP MP and actress Hema Malini downplayed the incident, calling it “not a very big event”. Her remarks have sparked intense political debate and widespread condemnation.

Mahakumbh Stampede

On the day of the ‘Amrit Snaan’ (holy dip), an enormous crowd surged towards the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj. Witnesses reported barriers collapsing and devotees jostling for space, leading to a stampede that resulted in 30 deaths and over 60 injuries.

Eyewitness accounts described a scene of panic, with people falling over each other, screaming for help. The police and administration struggled to contain the chaos, raising concerns about crowd management failures.

Hema Malini’s Controversial Remarks

Days after the tragedy, Hema Malini dismissed the severity of the incident.

“It was not a very big incident. I don’t know how big it was, but it is being exaggerated,” she stated. She praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration for “very well-managed” arrangements despite the tragedy.

Her remarks have drawn sharp criticism, particularly from opposition leaders who accused the BJP government of downplaying the disaster.

Opposition’s Response: “A Mockery of the Victims”

Congress MP Tariq Anwar lashed out at Malini’s statement, arguing that she received VIP treatment during her visit and had no real understanding of the situation.

“When she visited, everything was arranged for her. The administration focused more on VIPs than on the general crowd. Calling this not a big issue is a mockery of the victims.”

Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav also pointed out that Malini’s privileged experience was not reflective of the reality faced by ordinary devotees.

The Samajwadi Party and Congress have been vocal in their demands for accountability from the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has been at the forefront of seeking justice for the victims. Speaking in Parliament, he demanded that “those hiding the truth be punished.”

He also led a symbolic walkout in Parliament last week when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman began presenting the Union Budget, claiming that addressing the stampede tragedy was more important than the budget.

Veteran actress and SP MP Jaya Bachchan added fuel to the controversy by accusing the government of disposing of the bodies in the Ganga River to hide the true death toll.

“Where is the water most contaminated right now? It is in Kumbh. No one is clarifying why. Bodies have been thrown in the river to hide the real numbers.”

Her statement sparked outrage from the BJP, which accused the opposition of “hurting Hindu sentiments”. The party also highlighted that ₹1,600 crore was allocated for water management and waste disposal at Kumbh.

Maha Kumbh Stampede: A Political Flashpoint

The tragedy has turned into a major political battleground. The opposition claims the government is suppressing the real casualty figures, demanding a verified list of the deceased and injured.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge escalated the attacks, declaring in the Rajya Sabha that “thousands” had died in the stampede. When asked to retract his statement, he retorted:

“If I am wrong, provide the official death toll. I will apologize.”

The BJP protested, dismissing the claim as exaggeration and misinformation.

The Maha Kumbh stampede has raised serious concerns over crowd management and government accountability. With opposition parties unrelenting in their attacks and victims’ families seeking justice, the case remains a politically sensitive issue.

The BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government faces mounting pressure to release accurate figures, ensure better security in future events, and prevent such tragedies from recurring.

The Maha Kumbh stampede was a devastating event that claimed innocent lives and exposed critical lapses in crowd control and VIP management. While Hema Malini’s remarks have added controversy, the real issue remains—was the tragedy preventable? As opposition parties continue to press for justice, only time will tell whether political accountability and improved security measures will follow or if this tragedy will fade into bureaucratic obscurity. The families of the victims, however, deserve more than political rhetoric—they deserve answers and justice.