NEW DELHI: Congress and other opposition parties slammed the Centre and UP govt for mismanagement of surging crowds at the Maha Kumbh, with Rahul Gandhi accusing the administration of being busy handling VIP movement instead of focussing on common devotees.
Stating “VIP culture” should be reined in, he urged govt to make better arrangements to fulfil needs of devotees who will throng Sangam during Kumbh that continues till February 26.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge described as heartbreaking the news of many people losing their lives and several getting injured in the stampede. “Half-baked arrangements, VIP movement, paying more attention to self-promotion and mismanagement are responsible for this. Such arrangements despite spending thousands of crores of rupees are condemnable,” he said. Party MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra too expressed sadness over the incident.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called the incident “extremely saddening”. “We appeal to our govt to provide immediate medical arrangements for seriously injured individuals by airlifting them to the nearest best hospitals. Identify the bodies of the deceased, hand them over to their families, and ensure they are sent to their residences. Make quick efforts to reunite those who are separated. Increase surveillance by effectively utilising helicopters.”
Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved pilgrim families. My learning from our Gangasagar Mela is that planning and care must be maximal in matters relating to pilgrims’ lives in vast assemblies of people.” BSP’s Mayawati said, “The stampede in Maha Kumbh is extremely sad and worrying. The party prays for the bereaved souls and prays that nature gives the victims strength to bear this sorrow.”
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal appealed to devotees to maintain patience and be careful. “Follow instructions of the administration and take care of each other’s safety,” he said.