By The Sampadak Express
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav has ignited a storm of controversy after calling the Maha Kumbh “meaningless” while also holding the Indian Railways responsible for the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which claimed the lives of 18 people. In his remarks on Sunday, Prasad criticized both the central government and the Railways, further fueling tensions ahead of the upcoming religious gathering in Prayagraj.
Railways’ Failure and the Stampede
Prasad, a former Union Minister, expressed his outrage over the stampede that occurred late Saturday night, which left 18 people dead and several others injured. The stampede broke out during the rush at New Delhi Railway Station, which had been overwhelmed by large crowds, as thousands of passengers made their way to various destinations, including Prayagraj for the Kumbh Mela.“
The stampede episode is very disturbing. It has exposed the inadequate arrangements made by the central government. The railway minister must resign after this incident… it’s a complete failure of the Railways,” Prasad said, demanding accountability from the government.
Authorities are still working to confirm the exact number of casualties, and the situation remains under investigation. Many of the victims were reportedly from Bihar, although official numbers remain pending.
Lalu’s Criticism of the Kumbh
In addition to criticizing the Railways, Lalu Prasad made a provocative statement regarding the Maha Kumbh, a religious event that attracts millions of pilgrims each year. Responding to questions about the large number of people traveling to Prayagraj for the event, he described the Kumbh as “meaningless.”
“The Kumbh has no meaning… It is just meaningless,” Prasad remarked, drawing immediate backlash, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
BJP Responds to Lalu’s Remarks
Bihar BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma was quick to condemn Prasad’s comments, accusing him of belittling the religious sentiments of Hindus. Sharma stated that such remarks were part of Prasad’s political strategy of appeasement, which he claimed often led the RJD to undermine the religious practices of the Hindu community.“
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,” Sharma said in a statement.
A Divisive Moment Ahead of the Kumbh
The Maha Kumbh Mela, considered one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, holds significant spiritual and cultural importance for Hindus. Prasad’s remarks have deepened the political divide in the state, with many accusing him of making inflammatory statements ahead of an event that draws millions of devotees.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time, as the New Delhi Railway Station stampede adds to the political and social tensions surrounding the Kumbh Mela. As investigations into the incident continue, the political battle over who is responsible for the stampede shows no signs of abating.
Lalu Prasad Yadav’s comments on the Kumbh Mela and the stampede have created a heated debate, with sharp divides forming along political and religious lines. The RJD leader’s call for the resignation of the railway minister and his dismissal of the Kumbh as “meaningless” reflect his criticism of the government’s handling of both the religious event and the tragic accident. The incident at New Delhi Railway Station, now under investigation, continues to spark outrage, with many calling for accountability and better safety measures for the thousands of people traveling for the Kumbh.
