Hema Malini’s ‘Not a Big Incident’ Comment on Kumbh Stampede Sparks Massive Backlash

The actor-politician’s remark on the tragic event, which claimed 30 lives, draws criticism from opposition leaders.

February 4, 2025: Actor-turned-politician Hema Malini, a three-time BJP MP from Mathura, has stirred controversy with her comments on the Maha Kumbh stampede in Prayagraj, which claimed 30 lives and injured over 60 people. The tragedy unfolded when a restive crowd broke barriers to take the ‘holy dip,’ or ‘amrit snaan,’ at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

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

Describing the incident as “not a very big issue,” Hema Malini praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration for its handling of the religious gathering. “Everything was done very well… It is very difficult to manage such a large crowd,” she remarked. She dismissed criticism from opposition leaders as routine political attacks, saying, “They will say what they want to… It is their job to say wrong things.”

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

Opposition’s Response

Hema Malini’s comments sparked outrage, with opposition leaders accusing her of insensitivity. Congress MP Tariq Anwar criticized her for being out of touch with the reality faced by common devotees. “She received VIP treatment. She could never know what it was really like for the victims,” he stated. Similarly, Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav alleged that VIP priorities during the event compromised security for the public.

Also Read: Basant Panchami Amrit Snan Marks Grand Celebration at Maha Kumbh 2025

The Samajwadi Party, led by former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, has demanded accountability from the government. Speaking in Parliament, Mr. Yadav urged punishment for those “hiding the truth” about the incident. Fellow SP leader Jaya Bachchan also accused the state government of mishandling the aftermath, alleging that bodies of the victims were dumped in the Ganga River, contaminating its waters.

Government’s Stance

The BJP dismissed the allegations, defending its ₹1,600 crore expenditure on water and waste management during the Kumbh period. Party representatives accused opposition leaders of “hurting Hindu sentiments” with their remarks. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister extended condolences to the victims’ families, while Chief Minister Adityanath faced criticism for delaying an official acknowledgment of fatalities.

Ongoing Demands

Opposition leaders have called for a verified list of casualties, claiming the BJP-led government is underreporting the death toll. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that “thousands” died in the stampede and demanded accurate figures in Parliament. The BJP has yet to release an updated casualty count.

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Maha Kumbh stampede, Hema Malini, Yogi Adityanath, Prayagraj tragedy, BJP vs Opposition, Kumbh Mela fatalities, Samajwadi Party, Jaya Bachchan remarks, Mallikarjun Kharge, UP government accountability