'Kumbh stampede not...very big incident': Hema Malini's remarks spark row
04 Feb 2025

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and actor Hema Malini has stirred controversy by calling the recent Maha Kumbh stampede "not a very big incident."

"I don't know how big it was (but) it is being exaggerated," she said, while also praising Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's administration for handling the event well.

The tragedy took place during the 'amrit snaan' at Prayagraj's Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers—leaving 30 dead and over 60 injured.

Opposition leaders criticize Malini's remarks
Political backlash

Malini's tone-deaf remarks have drawn flak from opposition leaders.

Congress MP Tariq Anwar opined Malini was unaware of ground realities since she was treated like a VIP during her visit.

"Things at Maha Kumbh went downhill because the police and administration were both (looking) after VIPs. They did not bother about the arrangements and security for common people. If she says this is not a big issue...it is a mockery of the victims."

Opposition demands transparency and accountability
Call for justice

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav also sought accountability from UP government, accusing it of hiding true casualty figures.

Yadav had led a symbolic walk-out in Parliament on Saturday to protest against what he termed a cover-up by the UP government.

Another Samajwadi Party MP, Jaya Bachchan, alleged bodies of stampede victims were dumped into the Ganga River, contaminating its waters.

She dismissed government claims about high attendance at the Kumbh and demanded transparency regarding the number of deaths.

Congress chief questions government's handling of incident
Parliamentary debate

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also slammed the government over the incident in Parliament.

He alleged "thousands" had died in the stampede and dared the government to give correct figures.

Last week, Malini said she has "never had such an experience before" after taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh.