‘Follow Instructions, Don’t Believe Rumours’: CM Yogi After Prayagraj Stampede

GG News Bureau
Prayagraj, 29th Jan. Hours after a stampede occurred at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged pilgrims not to believe in rumours and to follow the administration’s instructions. Addressing the situation, Adityanath confirmed that some individuals were seriously injured earlier today and are currently receiving treatment in local hospitals.

The Chief Minister also reassured the public that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are closely monitoring the situation, receiving regular updates. “There is a massive crowd, with nearly 8 crore pilgrims currently in Prayagraj. Yesterday, about 5.5 crore took the holy dip. Between 1 am and 2 am, some people were injured while scaling barricades. They have been immediately rushed to hospitals,” Adityanath stated.

The Chief Minister highlighted that since morning, Prime Minister Modi had called him four times, and Union Home Minister Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, and Governor Anandiben Patel are all staying updated on the developments.

While the situation is reportedly under control, the enormous crowd continues to pose challenges. Adityanath urged pilgrims to cooperate with the local administration, which had made extensive arrangements for the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. He also shared instructions from saints, advising that pilgrims take the holy dip first, after which saints will proceed to the Sangam for their ritual bath.

“I appeal to all devotees and saints not to heed rumours and to be patient. The administration is fully prepared to assist them. Any negative rumour can cause harm,” Adityanath added. He also emphasized that pilgrims should not insist on proceeding directly to the Sangam Nose, the sacred point where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati River meet. “You can take the holy dip wherever you are; it is not mandatory to go to the Sangam,” he said, stressing that cooperation would ensure a smooth and sacred experience for all.

The incident has prompted sharp criticism from opposition parties. The Congress and Samajwadi Party have blamed the state government for the stampede. The Congress accused the administration of “half-baked preparations” and focusing on “self-publicity.” Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party suggested that the Mahakumbh arrangements be handed over to the Army, mocking the state government’s claims of “world-class arrangements.”

As authorities continue to manage the situation, pilgrims have been urged to remain calm and follow the guidance of the local administration to ensure a safe and sacred event for all.