'Mrityu Kumbh': Mamata Banerjee's Controversial Remark On Maha Kumbh Stampede To Target Yogi Govt

West Bengal: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the Budget Session of the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday, February 18, targeted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the tragic stampede-related deaths and the mismanagement at Maha Kumbh.

Referring to the holy event as 'Mrityu Kumbh', 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 Rs 1 lakh. For the poor, there are no arrangements at Kumbh. Stampede situation is common in a 'mela' but it is important to make arrangements. What planning did you make?"

She further questioned, "Why did you overhype such a serious event? Proper planning should have been in place. How many commissions have been sent to Kumbh after the incident?"

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During her address, Banerjee also alleged that dead bodies were sent back to West Bengal without any autopsy or death certificates.

She added that while VIPs were being granted special privileges during the event, common devotees—especially the poor—were being deprived of basic amenities and essential facilities.

Banerjee also condemned the BJP-led government in UP, accusing it of "politicizing religion to sow division in the country." She criticized the "lack of adequate planning" for the religious gathering, arguing that authorities had failed to implement proper safety measures.

According to a report by the National Herald, the families of two women from West Bengal, who were part of the 30 pilgrims killed in the stampede, claimed that they only received a piece of paper mentioning that the dead bodies were handed over to them and no official documents.

According to official data, at least 30 people were killed, while 90 others were injured in the Maha Kumbh stampede that occurred on the auspicious day of Mauni Amamvasya.

Published on: Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 04:09 PM IST