Stampede at Maha Kumbh Sparks Debate Over Death Toll and Management

Opposition leaders accuse the Uttar Pradesh government of concealing casualty figures, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defends the event's handling and blames conspiracies against Sanatan Dharma.

A stampede occurred on January 29 at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj during Mauni Amavasya, leaving 30 dead and 60 injured according to official figures from the Uttar Pradesh government.
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP government of suppressing the true number of casualties, with Kharge alleging over 1,000 deaths.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dismissed the opposition's claims, stating that official data had been released and emergency teams responded swiftly to assist victims.
Adityanath alleged that opposition leaders and 'anti-Sanatan elements' were spreading misinformation and conspiring to defame the Maha Kumbh and Sanatan Dharma.
A judicial commission has been established to investigate the incident, while the government emphasizes the safe return of millions of devotees and the continuation of traditional rituals.