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The Congress has blamed "half-baked preparations and "focus on self-publicity" for the stampede at Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. While Congress leaders have said several people died in the stampede, the state government has not confirmed any deaths yet.
Leader of the Opposition, Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said the news from Prayaraj is heart-rending. "Poor management and prioritising VIP movement over ordinary pilgrims is responsible for this tragic incident," he said, adding that the government should make proper arrangements to prevent a recurrence of such an incident. "VIP culture should be checked and better arrangements must be made for the pilgrims," Mr Gandhi said.
Hoping for the swift recovery of those injured, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said in a post on X, "Half-baked preparations, VIP movement and a focus on self-publicity instead of management is responsible for this. Such preparations despite spending thousands of crores in condemnable."
Mr Kharge said several snans are still left and the Centre and the state government should improve the arrangements to prevent a repeat of such an incident. "Facilities for lodging pilgrims and first-aid must be expanded and VIP movement checked. Our saints want the same," he said, adding that Congress workers should help those affected in every possible way.
The Congress leaders' jabs over VIP culture come against the backdrop of high-profile BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, visiting the Mahakumbh to take the holy dip.
About 30 women have been injured after the rush to take a holy dip in the morning of Mauni Amavasya led to a stampede-like situation on the banks of the Ganga. As the crowds surged, some women fainted and collapsed and a stampede-like situation followed.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has appealed to devotees to take the holy dip in the ghat close to them and not try to proceed towards the crowded 'Sangam'. "Please follow the administration's instructions. Do not heed rumours," his office said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the Chief Minister and asked him to arrange immediate relief measures.