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

After 18 people lost their lives in a tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, opposition leaders slam the government for failing to manage the Maha Kumbh rush.

February 16, 2025: Opposition Blames Govt, Demands Accountability After Deadly Stampede

Hours after the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which claimed 18 lives, including 11 women and four children, the opposition launched a scathing attack on the government, accusing it of mismanagement and negligence.

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

Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra blamed the Centre and Indian Railways for failing to anticipate the overwhelming Maha Kumbh rush.

“This incident once again highlights the failure of the Railways and the insensitivity of the government. Given the large number of devotees traveling to Prayagraj, proper arrangements should have been made,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Also Read: “Despite Warnings, No One Listened”: IAF Officer Recounts Horror of New Delhi Railway Station Stampede

Party leader KC Venugopal called the stampede a “massive calamity” and questioned the delay in disclosing the exact death and injury figures.

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

“When will we know the exact figures of the dead and injured? Why were crowd control measures not in place?” he asked.

What Led to the Stampede?

The incident occurred around 9:55 PM on Saturday night, at platforms 14 and 15, as thousands of passengers tried to board trains to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela.

• Overcrowding was worsened by delays in multiple trains, including Swatantra Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani Express.
• Rumors spread that the Prayagraj Express would arrive at a different platform, causing panic.
• 1,500 general tickets were sold at the station, overloading platforms beyond capacity.

Eyewitness Accounts

Survivors described horrifying scenes of chaos and panic:

• Dharmendra Singh, who was traveling with his family, said: “Trains were delayed or canceled. The station was overcrowded like never before. I saw women being taken away on stretchers.”
• Pramod Chaurasia, another passenger, added: “People with confirmed tickets couldn’t board the train. The pushing and jostling were unbearable.”
• A victim’s relative, mourning his mother, said: “We were traveling to Chhapra, Bihar. People were pushing each other. My mother died in the chaos.”

Government’s Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed their condolences.

• PM Modi: “Distressed by the stampede. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Authorities are assisting all those affected.”

• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced compensation:
  • ₹10 lakh for victims’ families.
  • ₹2.5 lakh for severely injured.
  • ₹1 lakh for minor injuries.

The Delhi Police has launched an official investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and station announcements to determine accountability.

With the opposition pressing for answers and public outrage mounting, the government faces tough questions on safety and crowd control measures ahead of future Maha Kumbh rushes.

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Tags:

Delhi Stampede, New Delhi Railway Station, Maha Kumbh 2025, Railway Negligence, Train Delays, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Narendra Modi, Ashwini Vaishnaw, India Railways, Public Safety