The tragic stampede that took place during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on January 29, claiming the lives of at least 30 people and injuring 60 others, has sparked intense debate and calls for accountability in the Indian Parliament. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad raised serious concerns in the Lok Sabha, alleging that there were signs of a conspiracy behind the incident. His statement during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks for the President’s address and the 2025-26 budget has raised eyebrows and added a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation.
BJP MP Suggests ‘Conspiracy’ in Stampede Investigation
Ravi Shankar Prasad, in his speech on Monday, revealed that the probe into the stampede at the Maha Kumbh suggests the possibility of a conspiracy. He emphasized that, as the investigation progresses, those responsible for the incident would be exposed and would have to “bow down in shame.” The stampede occurred on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most significant days of the Hindu calendar, when millions of devotees gathered at the Sangam area to take a holy dip. The massive crowd led to a breach of barricades, causing the tragic stampede.
“Investigation is underway on the incident that took place during Maha Kumbh. We are getting the smell of a conspiracy from the investigation,” Prasad stated, fueling the ongoing debate around the incident. His remarks have raised questions about the circumstances leading up to the stampede and the role of organizers in managing such a large gathering of devotees.
The Tragedy and Opposition’s Response
The incident on January 29 has shaken the nation, and the Opposition has been vocal in demanding accountability. The stampede occurred early in the morning when devotees, eager to take part in the auspicious event, rushed through barricades, leading to a tragic loss of life. The Opposition, led by Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi and K C Venugopal, demanded a discussion on the matter in Parliament, calling for a list of those who perished in the tragedy.
Opposition MPs stormed the Well of the House, protesting loudly and seeking a suspension of the Question Hour to address the Maha Kumbh stampede. They voiced their concerns about the inadequate safety measures and questioned the government’s preparedness in handling such large-scale events. The Congress and other opposition parties have demanded a comprehensive investigation and a formal debate on the incident to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
BJP’s Response and Investigation Ongoing
The BJP MP’s statements in Parliament have added a political dimension to the tragedy. The party’s approach to the investigation remains focused on uncovering the details behind the stampede and the factors contributing to the chaos. While the Opposition demands a thorough discussion, the government has initiated an investigation into the incident, although Prasad’s remarks have sparked further controversy about the causes of the tragedy.
The stampede has raised serious questions about crowd management and safety protocols during large religious gatherings. With millions of people attending the Maha Kumbh every year, the tragedy in Prayagraj has highlighted the critical need for better planning, infrastructure, and security measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
Conclusion: Demands for Accountability and Justice
The Maha Kumbh stampede in Prayagraj has left the nation mourning the loss of lives, and the political ramifications of the incident continue to unfold in Parliament. With Ravi Shankar Prasad’s claim of a conspiracy and the Opposition’s call for a full discussion, the investigation and public discourse around the stampede will likely continue to evolve in the coming days. The tragedy has underscored the importance of taking decisive action to prevent such incidents and ensuring accountability for the victims’ families. The outcome of the investigation will likely shed light on the true causes of the stampede and whether negligence or foul play was involved in the tragic event.
