Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan has sparked a controversy with her recent remarks on the Mahakumbh stampede and water contamination in Prayagraj. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, she claimed the river water is “highly contaminated” due to bodies of stampede victims being thrown into it.
Bachchan also questioned the Uttar Pradesh government’s claims about the devotee turnout at the Mahakumbh Mela. She asked how such a large crowd could gather in one place at any given time.
Last week, a stampede during the Mahakumbh Mela claimed at least 30 lives. The incident occurred during the second Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya at Sangam. This tragedy raised serious concerns about the arrangements made for the event.
The Mahakumbh Mela began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, coinciding with Mahashivaratri.
Bachchan criticized the state government, stating, “They are lying about crores of people visiting the Kumbh. How can such a large crowd gather in one place?” She also claimed that no proper arrangements were made for common devotees.
Her remarks triggered a strong reaction from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). The VHP demanded her arrest, calling her statements “false and sensational.” VHP media-in-charge Sharad Sharma said her comments could create instability and hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees.
In Parliament, Opposition leaders raised slogans targeting PM Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the stampede. They demanded a discussion on the incident and a list of the deceased.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge paid tribute to the victims, referring to “thousands” of deaths. However, he later clarified that this was his estimate and asked the government to provide accurate figures.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suggested a conspiracy behind the stampede. They stated that those responsible would be exposed once the investigation concludes.
Bachchan’s comments have added fuel to the ongoing political debate over the Mahakumbh Mela tragedy. Her allegations about water contamination and mismanagement have drawn sharp criticism from both the ruling party and religious organizations.
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