'Mrityu Kumbh' controversy: BJP and Mamata clash over stampedes at Maha Kumbh Mela

New Delhi: BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her comments regarding the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Banerjee had termed the event a “Mrityu Kumbh” (Death Kumbh) due to the stampedes that led to fatalities. Chouhan condemned her remarks, stating that attacking people’s faith is a crime.

In her criticism of the Uttar Pradesh government’s management of the Kumbh Mela, Banerjee claimed that the event had turned into a “Mrityu Kumbh” and also accused authorities of suppressing the death toll. 

Chouhan, responding to Banerjee's remarks, told reporters, "Insulting the Sanatan has become the nature of the Opposition...By pointing fingers at the Sanatan, they (opposition leaders) will damage themselves. Attacking people's faith and sentiments is also a crime."

Mamata Banerjee’s criticism and stampede tragedy

The West Bengal Chief Minister's criticism followed two major stampede incidents. On January 29, at least 30 people lost their lives and 60 others were injured in a stampede during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Another stampede occurred on February 15 at the New Delhi Railway Station, where 18 people died as devotees travelled to the event.

Banerjee also criticised the Uttar Pradesh government for creating hype around the event without ensuring proper arrangements, alleging that there were disparities in facilities for the rich and the poor. She mentioned that VIPs could avail of camps costing up to Rs 1 lakh, while ordinary devotees had inadequate facilities.

"Stampedes are common in fairs, but it is important to make proper arrangements," Banerjee said. “What planning did you make?” she questioned the Uttar Pradesh government.

Akhilesh Yadav and Samajwadi Party’s support:

Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed support for Banerjee’s remarks. He criticised the Uttar Pradesh government’s handling of the Maha Kumbh and alleged that FIRs were not being registered for the deaths. "What West Bengal Mamata Banerjee said is right. People from her state have also lost lives...A large number of people who had come from Bengal and other states have died. FIR is also not being registered.," Yadav claimed.

Yadav further accused Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of exploiting public emotions by promoting the event as being well-organised.

"When CM said that arrangements for 100 crore people have been made, people became more confident. When he invited celebrities and other noted personalities, people were confident that the arrangements would be good. But that was not the case...BJP is taking advantage of the public's emotions...The highest number of missing person cases is in this Kumbh, the highest number of deaths were reported in this Kumbh, the highest number of people fell ill in this Kumbh," Yadav said.

Yogi Adityanath responds to critics:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the spread of misinformation about the Maha Kumbh and dismissed allegations made by opposition parties. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Adityanath emphasised that over 56 crore devotees had participated in the event, taking holy dips in Prayagraj, and urged against politicising the stampede incidents.

"Our sympathies are with all those who were victims of the stampede on 29 January... and those who lost their lives in road accidents while travelling for Kumbh. Our condolences are with the family members, the government stands with them, and the government will help them in every possible way but how appropriate is it to politicise this?" Adityanath said, addressing the assembly. He also took a swipe at the opposition, accusing them of undermining the significance of the event and of being critical from the outset.