New Delhi: A tragic incident unfolded at New Delhi railway station late Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people, most of whom were women and children. The fatal stampede occurred as a massive crowd attempted to board special trains heading to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, attributing the disaster to inadequate crowd management. Many passengers alleged that last-minute changes to train schedules and platform assignments exacerbated the confusion, ultimately leading to the devastating incident. This marks the second major tragedy related to the Maha Kumbh after a stampede at the mela two weeks ago that claimed at least 30 lives.
Opposition slams govt
Political leaders swiftly reacted to the incident, expressing condolences and demanding accountability. The opposition directly blamed the BJP-led central government and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the catastrophe.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described the incident as “deeply saddening” and “disturbing,” emphasizing that it underscored the “failure” of the railway system and the government’s “lack of sensitivity.” Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati condemned the “gross negligence” of the railways and urged strict action against those responsible.
AIMIM President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi called the tragedy “preventable” and accused the BJP government of attempting to conceal its shortcomings. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, in a sharp critique of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, said on social media that his “train of conscience left the station long ago.” She further questioned how many such incidents would need to occur before accountability is demanded.
