LoP Kharge claims ‘thousands’ died in Kumbh stampede

New Delhi, Feb 3: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday triggered an uproar from the treasury benches in Rajya Sabha by saying he is paying tributes to “thousands” who died in the January 29 Maha Kumbh stampede, leading to Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar directing him to substantiate the statement after he refused to retract.
Kharge, also the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, was quick to add that “this is my estimate (and) if this is not right you (the government) should tell what is the truth”. He said he was ready to be corrected.
“I did not say ‘thousands’ to blame anyone. But how many people died, give that information at least. I will apologise if I am wrong. They should give figures how many died, how many are missing,” he said.
There was a stampede during the Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya on January 29. According to the figures provided by the Uttar Pradesh government, 30 people were killed and 60 others were injured.
Participating in a debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address in Rajya Sabha, Kharge said, “I pay my tributes to the people who died in Maha Kumbh… the thousands who died in Kumbh,” he said, leading to the protest by the ruling members. (PTI)