• Source:JND
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Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav sparked controversy on Sunday by referring to the Prayagraj Mahakumbh Mela as ‘meaningless’ following a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station that resulted in the deaths of 18 people. The victims were en route to Prayagraj to take a holy dip at the Sangam. The former Bihar Chief Minister blamed the Centre for the tragedy and demanded the resignation of the Railway Minister.

“The stampede episode is very disturbing. It has exposed the inadequate arrangements made by the central government. The railway minister must resign after this incident… it’s a complete failure of the Railways,” former Railways Minister said.

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When asked about people heading to Prayagraj for the holy dip, Yadav said, “The Kumbh has no meaning… It is just meaningless.” 

Bihar BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma rebuked Lalu Yadav’s statement, asserting that it reflects the latter’s mindset of insulting the sentiments of the Hindu community. “He is making such comments due to his politics of appeasement. The RJD leaders have always insulted the religious sentiments of Hindus. The latest statement of Lalu Prasad calling the Maha Kumbh meaningless exposes the party’s mindset towards the Hindu religion,” said Sharma.

Indian Railways has formed a two-member committee to investigate the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which claimed the lives of 18 individuals. The incident occurred as large crowds gathered at the station to travel to the Mahakumbh for the holy dip.

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Chaos ensued when two trains bound for Prayagraj were unexpectedly cancelled, resulting in a sudden influx of passengers. The Railway Ministry stated that this surge in passenger numbers created a panic situation, causing many to faint amidst the overwhelming crowd.