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Maha Kumbh: Jaya Bachchan Sparks Huge Controversy; Claims Bodies of Stampede Victims Were Dumped in Ganga

The Samajwadi Party MP claims stampede victims’ bodies were dumped in the Ganga, leading to unsafe water for devotees, sparking political and public uproar.

February 3, 2025: New Delhi: Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan has ignited a political storm with her claims about the water quality at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The actor-turned-politician alleged that the Ganga river is contaminated due to bodies of stampede victims being dumped into the water, a charge vehemently denied by the Uttar Pradesh government.

Also Read: Millions Take Holy Dip on Basant Panchami at Maha Kumbh 2025

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Ms. Bachchan questioned the state government’s handling of the tragic stampede on Mauni Amavasya, which claimed 30 lives. “Where is the water most contaminated right now? It is in Kumbh,” she remarked. “Bodies of those who died in the stampede have been thrown into the river, contaminating the water that devotees are using for their holy dip.”

Also Read: Basanta Panchami and Maha Kumbh: A Sacred Union of Devotion and Renewal

Stampede Sparks Concerns Over Arrangements

The Maha Kumbh, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has drawn millions of devotees since its start on January 13. However, the deadly stampede on January 29 during the “Amrit Snan” has raised questions about the state government’s preparedness. The event, which saw crowds surge at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, led to chaos and tragic fatalities.

Also Read: Parliament Erupts in Chaos Over Maha Kumbh Stampede; Opposition Demands Accountability

Ms. Bachchan also criticized the government for inflating attendance numbers, calling the claim of “crores of visitors” to the Kumbh a blatant exaggeration. “How can such a huge number of people gather? They are lying to cover up their failures,” she said.

Opposition Protests in Parliament

Her remarks come amid ongoing protests by opposition parties in the Lok Sabha, demanding transparency on the death toll and accountability for the mishandling of the stampede. Opposition MPs stormed the well of the House, raising slogans and demanding a debate on the tragedy.

BJP Hits Back

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly criticized Ms. Bachchan’s remarks, accusing her of politicizing a sacred event. “She is a great actor, and today’s remarks seemed scripted,” BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi quipped. “However, such statements targeting Hindu sentiments will backfire on her party.”

Government Defends Water Quality

Responding to the allegations, Vivek Chaturvedi, Additional District Magistrate of the Maha Kumbh Mela, assured that the Ganga’s water quality is being monitored daily. “Samples from various ghats are within safe limits. Machines are deployed to remove ritual waste like flowers and coconuts every two hours,” he stated. The state government has allocated Rs. 1,600 crore of the Rs. 7,000 crore Kumbh budget for water and waste management.

Officials claim over two crore devotees performed rituals at the Sangam on Monday alone, dismissing allegations of contamination as baseless.