Delhi
The Maha Kumbh is a festival of faith, where millions gather to seek peace and blessings. But this time, it has also become a place of fear and unanswered questions. The recent stampede has raised concerns not just about crowd management but also about the safety of the river itself. Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan has spoken up, asking difficult questions that many are afraid to address.
“Where is the water most polluted right now?”
A simple but powerful question. Outside Parliament, Jaya Bachchan did not wait for an answer—she gave one herself. “It’s in Kumbh,” she said, claiming that bodies of those who died in the stampede had been thrown into the river, making the water unsafe.
The statement has caused shock and discomfort. The government has yet to provide a clear explanation, and the opposition is demanding answers. If true, this raises serious concerns not just about the handling of the tragedy but also about public health.
The Unequal Kumbh: Two Different Experiences
At the heart of the issue is not just the stampede but also the way people are treated differently. “The common people visiting Kumbh are not receiving any special treatment, there is no arrangement for them,” Jaya Bachchan said. Yet, VIPs seem to have separate facilities, better access, and more comfort.
This is not the first time such concerns have been raised. In large public events, managing crowds is always a challenge, but when some people get priority while others struggle for basic needs, it creates frustration.
The Numbers Don’t Add Up
Another big question—how many people are really attending the Maha Kumbh?
The government claims that crores have visited the site. “They are lying,” Bachchan said, questioning how such a large number can physically fit in one place at any given time. Opposition leaders are now asking for transparency in the figures being presented.
Noise in Parliament, Silence on Accountability
If Kumbh represents faith, Parliament represents democracy. But today, instead of discussion, there was only shouting. Opposition leaders, including Congress’s Gaurav Gogoi and K C Venugopal, demanded a suspension of the Question Hour to discuss the tragedy and present a list of those who lost their lives. They walked up to the Speaker’s chair, asking for answers, but there were none.
Speaker Om Birla responded, “The Honourable President had referred to the tragedy at Maha Kumbh. You can raise your issues during the debate.” But will a debate lead to real action? Will there be responsibility for what has happened?
The Bigger Picture
Faith is deeply personal, but its management is a public responsibility. The Maha Kumbh is a religious and cultural landmark, but today, it also raises serious concerns about safety and fairness.
Jaya Bachchan’s words have started a conversation, but the government’s response will determine whether this leads to accountability or just another forgotten incident. Until then, the sacred waters of the Kumbh remain at the center of an uneasy debate—one that cannot be ignored.
