New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Hema Malini has sparked outrage with her insensitive remarks about the stampede during the Maha Kumbh 2025. The tragic incident, which occurred on January 29, claimed the lives of 30 people and left 60 others injured. However, the actor-turned-politician downplayed the severity of the event, calling it “not a big incident.”
In response to a question about the Opposition’s criticism of the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government over the stampede, Malini dismissed the concerns, accusing the opposition of exaggerating the situation. “His job is to speak wrongly. We went to Kumbh, we had a very nice bath. It is right that an incident took place, but it was not a very big incident,” she said, downplaying the gravity of the tragedy.
Malini further praised the Uttar Pradesh government’s efforts in managing the Maha Kumbh, stating, “It is being exaggerated…It was very well-managed, and everything was done very well…So many people are coming, it is very difficult to manage but we are doing our best.”
Her remarks come amid ongoing criticism from opposition leaders, especially Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, who had slammed both the Uttar Pradesh government and the Centre over the stampede. Yadav had called for accountability, pointing to the government’s failures in ensuring safety at the event.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Prayagraj on Wednesday to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh.
