Amid calls for accountability, Hema Malini downplays Kumbh stampede, calls it ‘exaggerated’
New Delhi: Amid growing demands for accountability over the Maha Kumbh stampede in Prayagraj, actor-politician Hema Malini downplayed the incident, suggesting it was not a "big" tragedy and was being "exaggerated". The BJP MP also defended the event’s management, stating that authorities were handling the massive congregation efficiently.
The stampede occurred on January 29—the day of Mauni Amavasya, considered one of the holiest days in the Hindu calendar. According to official figures from the Uttar Pradesh Government, at least 30 people lost their lives and over 60 were injured in the pre-dawn chaos at the Sangam area.
Speaking to reporters in Parliament, Hema Malini, who had taken a dip at the Maha Kumbh on the same day as the tragedy, remarked: “We had gone to Kumbh… We had a nice bath… Everything was well managed. It is true that the incident (stampede) happened… But it was not such a big event (Itna kuch bada nahi hua tha). I don't know how big it was, but it is being exaggerated. The arrangements were well-organized, and everything was done properly. With so many people attending, managing the crowd is challenging, but we are doing our best.”
When asked about opposition allegations that the government was underreporting the death toll, she dismissed the claims, stating: “They will say whatever they want. It is their job to make false accusations.”
The stampede tragedy echoed in both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, with opposition leaders demanding accountability. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the government of suppressing the actual number of casualties and called for stringent action against those responsible for the "mismanagement" of the religious fair. Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy termed the incident "one of the worst stampede tragedies in independent India", while Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and other opposition leaders demanded a comprehensive list of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the BJP dismissed the criticism, alleging a conspiracy behind the incident and asserting that those responsible for the tragedy would face consequences once the official probe was concluded. The investigation into the stampede is currently underway.
PTI