New Delhi: The Congress party on Wednesday criticized the Centre and Uttar Pradesh government over the “stampede-like” situation at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh, calling for better management and an end to VVIP movement at the event.
Reports indicated multiple casualties after a stampede-like situation occurred at the Sangam as millions of pilgrims gathered for the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. While the incident led to the cancellation of the akharas’ traditional ‘Amrit Snan’, large crowds continued to gather at Sangam and other ghats in the Mela area.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his heartbreak over the incident, offering condolences to the families of the victims. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
In a post on X, Kharge criticized the “half-baked arrangements, VIP movement, self-promotion, and mismanagement” that led to the chaos, despite the huge financial investment in the event. He condemned the poor organization, noting that thousands of crores of rupees had been spent, but the management still failed to prevent such incidents.
Kharge further urged both the central and state governments to wake up and improve the system, ensuring that future incidents like this are avoided, particularly as several “shahi snans” are still to take place. He called for an expansion of accommodation, food, first aid facilities, and more efficient crowd movement management, as well as a ban on VVIP movement at the Mela, aligning with the wishes of saints and sages.
