The Aam Aadmi Party blamed administrative mismanagement for the stampede, calling for an end to VIP culture and stricter crowd management.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh described the scenes as “scary.” Referring to videos circulating on social media, Singh said, “I saw a woman desperately trying to give oxygen from her mouth to her family member to save him. This is heartbreaking.” He also pointed out that Mahamandaleshwar Premanand Puri Ji had urged authorities to hand over the event’s arrangements to the army, but his request was rejected.
“We never wanted to comment on this, but the reality is clear – VIP culture is the main problem. Roads are being closed for VIP movement, causing chaos for the devotees,” he alleged.
According to Singh, the administration only arrived at the scene at 1 a.m. and started forcing people to take a holy dip (snan), which led to panic.
“This created a stampede-like situation. My heart goes out to those affected. I appeal to the Chief Minister to immediately stop all VIP movements at the Maha Kumbh,” he added.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi CM Atishi too expressed their condolences.
– PTI
