Uttar Pradesh government is alleged by Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav of covering up the deaths from the latest Kumbh Mela stampede. These allegations he expressed in Parliament on Tuesday.
Urges Transparence, Accountability
Accusing the government of a lack of transparency, Akhilesh Yadav said:
"Whereas the government is prompt to reveal budgetary figures, it should also disclose the number of casualties at Mahakumbh Mela. An all-party meeting is the need of the hour to take stock of arrangements made for the event."
He further said the Kumbh Mela must be entrusted with the Army, which would enable better organization and safety measures. Yadav asserted that the government must provide Parliament with detailed details, including:
- The number of causalities
- Health services offered to the victims
- Medicines, food and transportation available
Call for Severe Action
Referring to the severity of the incident, Yadav sought that the "double engine government" impose severe action on those responsible for the tragedy. Yadav said, "If no crime has been committed, why the statistics are being kept under cover?"
Sangam Ghat Tragedy
The stampede happened during Mauni Amavasya, one of the significant occasions of the Maha Kumbh Mela that attracted a large crowd. There have been tragic incidents at Sangam Ghat resulting in 30 deaths, besides many who have been left injured.
There has been an upsurge in demands from various quarters demanding answers and explanations from the authorities about how such incidents could recur.
