New Delhi: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has demanded the arrest of Jaya Bachchan over the Samajwadi Party’s leader’s claim that Prayagraj is most contaminated right now due to bodies of Maha Kumbh victims “being thrown into the river”.
Terming the remarks as ‘unfortunate’, VHP media in-charge Sharad Sharma said, “Jaya Bachchan should be arrested for spreading sensation by giving false and untrue statements.” He added, “Maha Kumbh is the backbone of faith and devotion where one attains Dharma, Karma, and Moksha. The sentiments of crores of devotees are attached to this great ritual,” news agency PTI quoted him as saying.
Over 40 killed in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh stampede
On January 29, nearly 40 people lost their lives and several others were injured due to a stampede during the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, when people had gone to take holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. After the incident, several Opposition leaders have alleged that the number of deceased was much higher than the figure released by the government.
The Opposition had also created a major ruckus at the Parliament on Monday asking the government to release the names of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. Jaya Bachchan also dismissed the Uttar Pradesh government’s claims number of devotees who participated in Mahakumbh Mela 2025. She asked how a massive crowd of devotees could be in one place at one time. The Maha Kumbh which started on January 13 will go on till February 26.
What Jaya Bachchan said
“Where is the water most contaminated at the moment? It’s in Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh. Bodies have been thrown into the river. Due to this, the water has been contaminated, Jaya Bachchan claimed while speaking to reporters on Monday.
Observing that real issues at the Maha Kumbh were neglected, the Rajya Sabha MP noted that no arrangements were made for the common people, who are visiting Maha Kumbh for the mega event. “They are lying that crores of people have visited the Maha Kumbh. How a large number of people can gather in that place at any given point?” she also asked for data from state government on devotee turnout at the Maha Kumbh.
