Thackeray-led Sena MP Sanjay Raut blames Centre, Yogi govt for Kumbh deaths

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut blamed the central government and the Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, for the deaths of more than 30 people at the Prayagraj Mahakumbh Mela, where many children, elderly people and women have gone missing in a stampede on Wednesday morning.

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"The count of those injured has not been done yet. Many people are missing, including many women. Who is responsible for all this? The central government is responsible. The Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh is responsible," Raut said.

Raut also raised concerns about the allocation of funds for the event. "The budget for the Kumbh Mela was Rs 10,000 crore, but reports show that less than Rs 1,000 crore was spent. Where did the rest of the money go?" Raut asked.

Raut's statement came after a stampede-like situation was witnessed at the Mahakumbh on Wednesday morning, resulting in several people getting killed and injured. The incident took place when lakhs of devotees had gathered at the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna rivers to take a holy bath on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which is also the day of the second Shahi Snan.