M Kharge Says “Thousand Deaths” At Maha Kumbh, Sparks Uproar In Parliament

New Delhi:

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has put up a condition for him to apologise over his comment that “thousands died” in the stampede at the Maha Kumbh venue in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj.

The tragedy that happened due to crowding at the Maha Kumbh on January 29 during the amrit snan or mauni amavasya – considered an auspicious day for holy dips – killed 30 people and left at least 60 injured, the authorities have said.

They said a massive crowd heading towards the ghat to take holy dips broke down barricades, leading to the stampede.

Mr Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, however, in what was seen as an attempt to not accept the number of dead that was reported by the authorities, said the “thousand deaths” at the Maha Kumbh was his own estimate.