Kumbh stampede was not very big incident, being exaggerated: BJP MP Hema Malini
New Delhi: The Maha Kumbh stampede was not a "big incident" and is being "exaggerated", BJP MP Hema Malini said on Tuesday asserting the congregation is being managed very well.
The stampede took place on January 29, the occasion of Mauni Amavasya , one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar. According to official figures released by the Uttar Pradesh government, at least 30 people lost their lives and 60 were injured in the pre-dawn stampede at the Sangam area in Prayagraj.
"We had gone to Kumbh... We had a nice bath... Everything was well managed. It is right that the incident (stampede) took place ... Itna kuch bada nai hua tha (it was not a very big incident). I don't know how big it was. It is being exaggerated... It was very well-managed, and everything was done very well... So many people are coming, it is very difficult to manage but we are doing our best...," Malini told reporters in the Parliament House complex.
The actor-turned politician had also taken a dip during Maha Kumbh on the day of stampede.
Asked about Opposition members alleging that the government was hiding the number of deaths in the stampede, she said, "They will say whatever they want to... It is their job to say wrong things."
The stampede tragedy at the Maha Kumbh continued to resonate in both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the government was hiding the number of deaths in the stampede and demanded strict action against those trying to cover up the "mis-management" in organising the fair.
Trinamool Congress member Saugata Roy said the deaths in a stampede at the ongoing Kumbh was one of the worst tragedies in independent India.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and other Opposition leaders on Monday raised the issue in Parliament demanding a list of the deceased.
The ruling BJP, on the other hand, said it smelt a conspiracy behind the stampede and that those responsible for it will have to hang their heads in shame once the probe is over.
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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
