"Had BJP focused more on people" Mallikarjun Kharge on MahaKumbh stampede

New Delhi [India], January 31 (ANI): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge continued his sharo criticism if the BJP government on the Kumbh stampeded. On Friday he stated that the January 29 MahaKumbh stampede would not have happened had the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) "focused more on people" instead of "showing interest" in advertisements and VIP arrangements.
He also asked the Uttar Pradesh state administration to ensure that such incidents do not happen again
Kharge told ANI, " I condole the people who lost lives in this incident and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Had the BJP focused more on people and the kind of interest they showed in advertisements and VIP arrangements, then this incident wouldn't have happened. I don't want to do politics on this but we need to ensure such incidents don't repeat".
He also raised objections to the reported hoardings of VIPs on vehicles during the over six month festival which commenced on January 13.
"The hoardings of VIPs and wall posters, shouldn't be there on each bus and car over there because there is no election going on. There, devotees are going for Kumbh Mela...," he added.
Meanwhile, a three-member judicial commission constituted to investigate the tragic stampede that occurred on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya during the Maha Kumbh, has arrived in Prayagraj to investigate the incident that occurred on 29 January.
Commission Chairman Justice (Retd.) Harsh Kumar said, "Although we have a month to complete the probe, we will make every effort to conclude it as quickly as possible."
The stampede occurred during the Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual on Wednesday, resulted in the deaths of 30 people and left 60 others injured.
Earlier, in a spectacular display of faith and devotion, as of January 30, a total of 296.4 million devotees have taken dip in the ongoing Mahakumbh.The ongoing religious event has witnessed an overwhelming show of faith, with millions gathering at the Triveni Sangam to mark this event.
Meanwhile, a throng of devotees gathered in the Sangam area today to witness the ongoing religious event. One of the devotees, who came from Telangana, expressed his happiness in attending the festival and said - "We get just one chance to be born as a human being and we are very lucky to be able to witness this Mahakumbh Mela."
Applauding the government's management, he further urged everyone to attend this festival."I would urge every proud Hindu to come and attend it. The management and the government of UP and the government of India have been successful in organising this. All facilities have been provided like drinking water, transportation, washrooms, sanitation, and security for women, men, and children. The efforts of the government are appreciable and they are doing their best," he said.
A foreign devotee from Nepal shared his experience of the Mahakumbh and said, "The experience was very good as compared to the rumours we had heard... It felt peaceful..."
Maha Kumbh, which started on January 13, will continue till February 26. The remaining significant 'snan' dates in Maha Kumbh are February 3 (Basant Panchami--Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI)