Akhilesh and Mayawati Mourn Maha Kumbh Stampede, Demand Urgent Rescue Operations

Prayagraj, Jan 29 (NationPress) In the aftermath of the stampede-like chaos at the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj on Wednesday, prominent political figures have voiced their sorrow and called upon the administration to implement swift measures to regain control of the situation and expedite rescue operations.

The unfortunate event transpired early Wednesday as millions of worshippers gathered at the Triveni Sangam for the sacred Mauni Amavasya dip. Approximately 30 women sustained injuries when barricades fell, inciting panic within the crowd.

This tragic occurrence has reignited concerns regarding the management and readiness of the authorities overseeing this grand religious assembly.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav took to X to share his dismay over the event.

In a post on the social media platform, he stated, "The reports of devotees suffering casualties due to mismanagement during the Maha Kumbh are profoundly saddening."

Yadav urged the government to guarantee that those with serious injuries receive prompt medical attention at top hospitals with the aid of air ambulances.

He also stressed that proper protocols should be established for identifying the deceased and returning their bodies to their families, alongside urgent measures to reunite devotees who may have been separated amidst the turmoil.

The SP leader highlighted the necessity of enhanced surveillance via helicopters to monitor crowd movements and avert further incidents.

He underscored that the 'Amrit Snan' of Mauni Amavasya, a tradition maintained since Satyug, should proceed uninterrupted, with the administration ensuring safe and seamless arrangements for the holy dip at Triveni Sangam while continuing relief efforts.

Yadav expressed his hopes for a rapid recovery for those injured in the incident and urged devotees to exercise patience and restraint during this challenging time.

He also implored the government to learn from this tragedy and implement additional provisions for devotees, including improved facilities for accommodation, food, and water.

In a similar vein, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati conveyed her sorrow regarding the incident and extended her condolences on X.

"The loss of life and injuries sustained by devotees in the stampede at the Maha Kumbh at the Sangam site in Prayagraj is deeply distressing and concerning. At this time, my party wishes that nature grants the victims the strength to endure this grief," she stated.

Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Ajay Rai also expressed his sadness over the occurrence while launching a scathing criticism of the state government, attributing the poor management to their oversight.

On X, he remarked, "The reports of numerous individuals being injured and losing their lives due to a stampede on the day of bathing at Mauni Amavasya during the Maha Kumbh is heartrending."

"This tragic event underscores the mismanagement of this fair and the failures of the Uttar Pradesh government. The Yogi administration has prioritized branding and marketing over the necessary arrangements for the devotees attending the Maha Kumbh, revealing their insensitivity," Rai alleged.

He asserted that Congress had consistently warned about the potential for such incidents, yet the administration failed to heed those warnings.

"We have been persistently trying to alert people about the likelihood of such occurrences, but the government and administration ignored our calls. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims," he added.

Rai also prayed for the peace of the departed souls and a swift recovery for the injured.

He urged the government to ensure proper compensation for the families of the deceased and provide complimentary medical care and financial assistance to the injured.

The incident took place nearly a kilometer from the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The sudden influx of devotees resulted in several women fainting, worsening the situation.

Rescue teams swiftly transported the injured to local hospitals, with critically injured individuals being moved to Bailey Hospital and Swaroop Rani Medical College.

A crowd diversion strategy was enacted at the Maha Kumbh, halting the entry of devotees. Groups of worshippers were stopped at the city's outskirts.

This stampede has raised significant concerns regarding crowd control and safety measures at the Maha Kumbh, especially with more critical bathing dates approaching in the coming weeks.