Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Jaya Bachchan has stirred controversy with her recent statements about the Mahakumbh stampede, leading to a political uproar. Speaking to the media on Monday, Bachchan boldly claimed that the authorities had discarded the victims’ bodies into the river, thereby contaminating the waters of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj.
While addressing reporters outside Parliament, Bachchan asserted, “The most contaminated water right now is in Kumbh, where they have thrown the bodies of those who died in the stampede into the river.” Her remarks, especially the claim that authorities discarded bodies into the river, raised eyebrows and triggered outrage.
She also criticized the Uttar Pradesh government’s statistics on the number of attendees at the Mahakumbh, dismissing the official figures as exaggerated. “They are lying about crores of people visiting the Kumbh. How can such a large number of people gather in one place at the same time?” Bachchan questioned, adding that the state government had failed to provide adequate arrangements for the common people attending the religious gathering.
Mahakumbh Stampede: A Tragic Incident
The stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela on January 26, during the second Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people. The tragic event sparked serious concerns about crowd management and safety at one of the world’s largest religious festivals. The Mahakumbh, which began on January 13, will conclude on February 26. This year, the event has seen an unprecedented number of devotees, but the lack of proper infrastructure and crowd control measures has raised serious questions.
Opposition parties, including Congress, have been vocal in their criticism of the UP government’s handling of the event. Parliament witnessed chaos on Monday as opposition members raised slogans demanding a discussion on the stampede and the government’s response. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called for an official list of the deceased, and although he later clarified his remarks as an estimate, it led to a stir among the ruling benches.
VHP Calls for Bachchan’s Arrest
In the wake of Bachchan’s controversial comments, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for her arrest. VHP spokesperson Sharad Sharma called her statements “unfortunate” and warned that her remarks could destabilize the nation. “A statement from a Member of Parliament holding such a prominent position is bound to create unrest,” Sharma said. He further stated that Bachchan’s comments were false and sensationalist, designed to spread misinformation.
The VHP also emphasized the importance of the Mahakumbh, calling it the “backbone of faith and devotion” for millions of Hindus. The organization expressed concern over how Bachchan’s words could offend the religious sentiments of devotees associated with the festival.
Political Fallout and Investigation
While the VHP has demanded Bachchan’s arrest, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a different approach. The party has suggested that there may be a conspiracy behind the stampede and called for an investigation to determine the truth. BJP leaders have asserted that once the probe is complete, those responsible will face consequences for their actions.
As the political fallout continues, the debate surrounding the handling of the Mahakumbh and the safety of devotees remains a central issue. As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how both the state and central governments will address the growing calls for accountability.
