Maha Kumbh Stampede Claims 30 Lives, Sparks Political Outrage

Opposition demands transparency and accountability as BJP MP Hema Malini's comments on the tragedy face backlash.

A stampede during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on January 29 resulted in 30 deaths and over 60 injuries as barriers collapsed under the pressure of a massive crowd rushing for a holy dip.
Opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav, criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for allegedly suppressing casualty figures and mismanaging the event.
BJP MP Hema Malini faced criticism for referring to the tragedy as 'not a very big incident,' which opposition leaders called insensitive and dismissive of the victims' suffering.
Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders accused the government of prioritizing VIP arrangements over public safety and demanded an all-party meeting to investigate the incident.
The BJP defended its handling of the event, while opposition parties continued to push for a verified list of victims and strict action against those responsible for the mismanagement.