'Bodies lifted using tractors': Akhilesh attacks Yogi over Kumbh stampede
04 Feb 2025

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has slammed the state government over its handling of the Maha Kumbh stampede.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, he alleged the bodies of those who died at the stampede were removed using JCB machines and tractors, with their whereabouts unknown.

Yadav called for the Indian Army to take over the event's administration, citing a loss of faith in the current management.

Judicial commission established to investigate stampede causes
Investigation underway

"When it was known that some people had lost their lives...the government filled their government helicopter with flowers and showered flower petals. What kind of Sanatani tradition is this?" he questioned.

"They lifted all of them using JCB machines and tractor trolleys."

To hide the truth, he alleged that sweeteners were given.

As many as 30 people were killed when millions of pilgrims rushed to dip in the sacred waters in the Sangam area on January 29.

Yadav demands accurate casualty figures, punitive action
Parliamentary disruption

Yadav also alleged the UP government waited to acknowledge the deaths till after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the president expressed condolences.

"It took them 17 hours to accept," he said.

The UP government has placed the official death toll at 30, but opposition parties allege the numbers are understated.

Yadav demanded accurate figures on casualties and arrangements be presented in Parliament.

He called for an all-party meeting to clarify event management details and punitive action against those hiding information.

Yadav accuses government of prioritizing politics over safety
Accusations

Further, the Samajwadi Party chief accused the government of focusing on political campaigning rather than making proper arrangements at the religious gathering.

He slammed claims of "digital Kumbh" when digital records of deceased were not available.

Yadav asked why figures were suppressed if the government did no wrong.

"We question the double-engine government. If there is no guilty conscience, why were numbers suppressed and hidden? Hiding the truth is a crime. Who will serve the punishment for this?" he said.