Patna: Former Union Railway Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad has criticized the government over the New Delhi Railway Station stampede, blaming it on railway mismanagement and making a controversial remark about the Prayagraj Mahakumbh.
Speaking on the incident, Lalu said, “The stampede is very unfortunate, and I express my condolences to the victims. It is the mismanagement of the railways due to which so many people lost their lives. The Railway Minister should take responsibility.” He further added, “Kumbh Ka Koi Matlab Hai? Faltu hai Kumbh” (Is there any meaning of Kumbh? Kumbh is useless), sparking criticism over his remarks on the religious event.
The stampede, which occurred late on Saturday night, claimed 18 lives, including nine from Bihar. Thousands of devotees had gathered at the station to board trains to Prayagraj Mahakumbh. The Railways Ministry has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed grief, stating: “I am very sad about the unfortunate stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My prayers are with all those who have lost their loved ones. The entire team is working to help all those affected by this tragic incident.”
Lalu’s remark on Kumbh has drawn sharp reactions, with many calling it insensitive and disrespectful to devotees attending the religious gathering.
