Kumbh Mela disaster: Leaders blame Yogi, Modi governments

The Communist Party of India has criticised the Kumbh Mela for its mismanagement, accusing authorities of prioritising financial gain over public safety, resulting in people being displaced and dying

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

A tragic stampede at the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has led to the deaths of several devotees, triggering a wave of criticism from political leaders in West Bengal.

The disaster, which occurred late at night, has left numerous people injured and many unaccounted for.

Senior Congress leader and former Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury strongly condemned the Uttar Pradesh government, led by chief minister Yogi Adityanath and the central government.

Chowdhury pointed out that lakhs of pilgrims from West Bengal have travelled to Prayagraj for the holy gathering and bath, yet their families back home had no means of reaching them. "It is shocking that even by 4 p.m. the next day, neither the Uttar Pradesh government nor the West Bengal government had set up a helpline for affected families. Despite repeated requests from different districts, no assistance has been arranged," Chowdhury stated.