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‘Hidden hundreds of bodies’: Mamata Banerjee says Maha Kumbh has turned into ‘Mrityu Kumbh’, slams Yogi Adityanath govt
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Yogi Adityanath government of downplaying the death toll from the stampede at the Maha Kumbh, asserting that the largest gathering of people in the world has transformed into 'Mrityu Kumbh'.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government over the deaths of people in the recent stampede in Prayagraj and claimed that Maha Kumbh has turned into ‘Mrityu Kumbh’.
Mamta Banerjee also alleged that the actual death toll has been suppressed.
“Maha Kumbh has turned into 'Mrityu Kumbh'. They (the BJP government) have hidden hundreds of bodies to bring down the toll,” Banerjee claimed while addressing the Bengal Assembly, reported PTI.
Meanwhile, according to the UP Information Department, over 54.31 core people have taken a holy dip at Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet, as of February 17.
Here's what Mamata Banerjee said
— This is 'Mrityu Kumbh'. I respect Maha Kumbh, I respect the holy Ganga Maa. But there is no planning.
— How many people have been recovered?
— For the rich, the VIP, there are systems available to get camps (tents) for as high as ₹1 lakh, ANI quoted Mamata as saying.
— For the poor, there are no arrangements in Kumbh.
— The tragic loss of lives in such incidents highlights the importance of careful planning, especially when it comes to the safety of citizens
— Stampede situations are common in a 'mela', but it is important to make arrangements.
30 killed in Prayagraj
On January 29, at least 30 people died and 60 were injured in a stampede in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. Additionally, 18 people lost their lives due to overcrowding as thousands of Maha Kumbh devotees gathered to board their trains at the New Delhi railway station on Saturday, triggering a stampede.
“BJP MLAs Afraid…”
The Chief Minister also claimed that the BJP MLAs are afraid of facing her and that’s why they boycott the House whenever she speaks.
BJP hits back
The BJP hit back at Mamata Banerjee over her remarks.
"This is condemnable. She is giving such remarks to make the Muslim community happy," said BJP leader RP Singh.
BJP leader KK Sharma said that the way the people of the INDIA- bloc are creating controversy over Kumbh is hurting the faith of crores of people who follow Hinduism.
"Not the occasion to settle political scores"
When asked about Mamata Banerjee's remark, former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said that he doesn't want to make any comment on such political statements.
“They are all political in nature. I am not in politics and moreover this is not the occasion to settle political scores. Everybody should join, take part in this holy occasion and then pray for the welfare of the people, humanity and nation.”
UP Governor expresses grief
Addressed the joint session of both houses, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel expressed grief over the stampede.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragedy," said Patel, expressing sorrow over the incident on Mauni Amavasya.
She extended her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
The Governor also praised how the Mahakumbh mela embodies the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’
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Business NewsNewsIndia‘Hidden hundreds of bodies’: Mamata Banerjee says Maha Kumbh has turned into ‘Mrityu Kumbh’, slams Yogi Adityanath govt
First Published:18 Feb 2025, 04:49 PM IST
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