Delhi LG Faces Backlash for Edited Post on Stampede, Opposition Calls It “Proof of Negligence”

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena altered his social media post minutes after acknowledging the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, sparking criticism from opposition parties accusing him of downplaying the tragedy.

February 16, 2025: Political Controversy Over Delhi LG’s Edited Statement on Stampede

A political storm has erupted following Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena’s controversial social media edit on the New Delhi Railway Station stampede, which led to 18 deaths, including 5 children, and left several others injured.

Also Read: Delhi Stampede Horror: Opposition Demands “Exact Figures,” Blames Govt for Negligence

Initially, Mr. Saxena posted a condolence message acknowledging the “tragic loss of lives” and describing the incident as a “disorder and stampede.” However, just minutes later, the post was edited, removing any mention of deaths and softening the language to merely calling the incident “unfortunate.”

Also Read: New Delhi Railway Station Stampede; Disturbing Visuals Before And After the Deadly Mayhem-Watch

The revision immediately sparked outrage, with opposition leaders slamming the government for allegedly trying to downplay the gravity of the disaster.

Opposition Slams BJP, LG for “Evading Responsibility”

Also Read: How Maha Kumbh Rush, Delayed Trains Triggered Deadly Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station

1. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP):

1. Accused Saxena of running away from his responsibility.
2. “This tweet proves how expert he is in evading responsibility,” AAP said.
3. “First, he admitted there was a stampede and loss of lives. But then he edited it to cover up the truth.”
4. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi:
   • Shared screenshots of both the original and edited tweets, highlighting the lack of coordination between officials.
   • “Railway officials confirm deaths, yet the LG tries to soften the language. Shameful cover-up!”

Tragic Stampede: What We Know So Far

• Time: 9:55 PM, Saturday
• Location: Platforms 12, 13, and 14 at New Delhi Railway Station
• Cause: Overcrowding due to Maha Kumbh trains to Prayagraj
• Casualties: 18 dead (including 11 women and 5 children)
• Injured: 15 admitted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital
• Investigation:
  • Delhi Police reviewing CCTV footage
  • Examining public announcements made at the station

Public Backlash and Government Response

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have expressed condolences, the Delhi LG’s move to edit his post has added fuel to public anger. Critics argue this reflects an attempt to control the narrative rather than address the root causes of mismanagement and safety failures.

The Railways has announced financial assistance:

• ₹10 lakh for families of deceased
• ₹2.5 lakh for severely injured
• ₹1 lakh for minor injuries

The Delhi government is yet to issue a direct statement on the incident. However, opposition parties have demanded accountability, urging immediate crowd-control measures to prevent further mishaps as the Maha Kumbh rush continues.

---

Tags:

Delhi Stampede, New Delhi Railway Station, VK Saxena, Maha Kumbh, Political Controversy, Indian Railways, Crowd Control, BJP, AAP, Shiv Sena, Opposition Attack