Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav ignited controversy on Sunday by labeling the Maha Kumbh as “meaningless” while attributing responsibility for the stampede at New Delhi railway station to the Railways, which resulted in 18 fatalities.
He also slammed the BJP-led central government regarding the incident, calling for the railway minister’s resignation.
“The stampede incident is extremely troubling. It has revealed the insufficient arrangements implemented by the central government. The railway minister should step down following this incident… it represents a total failure of the Railways,” remarked the former Union minister.
The stampede took place late Saturday night at the busy station, resulting in at least 18 deaths and over a dozen injuries. Officials have not yet confirmed how many of the casualties were from Bihar.
When questioned about the large crowds heading to Prayagraj for the religious event, Prasad stated, “The Kumbh holds no meaning… It is simply meaningless. ”
His comment received swift backlash from Bihar BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma, who accused him of overlooking Hindu religious sentiments.
He is making such comments due to his politics of appeasement. The RJD leaders have always insulted the religious sentiments of Hindus. The latest statement of Lalu Prasad calling the Maha Kumbh meaningless exposes the party’s mindset towards the Hindu religion,” said Sharma.
As per sources cited by PTI, an incorrect announcement regarding a platform change might have instigated the stampede, a statement corroborated by some witnesses.
Ravi Kumar, a vendor who has been stationed at the railway station for 12 years, informed PTI that immediately after the announcement was made, the crowd surged forward, causing people to push against each other. Those who fell were trampled in the chaos.
Northern Railway’s chief public relations officer, Himanshu Upadhyay, stated that the Patna-bound Magadh Express was on platform 14, while the New Delhi-Jammu Uttar Sampark Kranti Express was on platform 15 when the tragedy occurred.
