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.
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.
नई दिल्ली रेलवे स्टेशन पर भगदड़ मचने से कई लोगों की मृत्यु और कईयों के घायल होने की ख़बर अत्यंत दुखद और व्यथित करने वाली है।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 16, 2025
शोकाकुल परिवारों के प्रति अपनी गहरी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं और घायलों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की आशा करता हूं।
यह घटना एक बार फिर रेलवे की नाकामी और सरकार…
नई दिल्ली रेलवे स्टेशन पर भीड़ की वजह से मची भगदड़ में महिलाओं और बच्चों समेत कई लोगों की मृत्यु का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद है।
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) February 16, 2025
ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्माओं को शांति प्रदान करें। शोक-संतप्त परिजनों के प्रति मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएं। घायलों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करती हूं।
Party leader KC Venugopal called the stampede a “massive calamity” and questioned the delay in disclosing the exact death and injury figures.
“When will we know the exact figures of the dead and injured? Why were crowd control measures not in place?” he asked.
The stampede at New Delhi Railway Station is shocking and deeply tragic. The visuals that have come out are scary, and point to a massive calamity. I convey my deepest condolences to the families of the innocent victims, and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.
— K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) February 16, 2025
This kind…
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.
Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected by this stampede.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 15, 2025
- PM Modi: “Distressed by the stampede. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Authorities are assisting all those affected.”
Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in a stampede at New Delhi Railway station. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for speedy recovery of those injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 16, 2025
- 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.
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