Lalu Yadav Dismisses Stampede Tragedy as Meaningless Amid National Outrage

Uttar Pradesh - On February 15, 2025, a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station claimed at least 18 lives, including five children, as thousands of pilgrims rushed to board trains for the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj. The chaos unfolded after a last-minute platform change announcement, leading to confusion and panic on an overcrowded footbridge.  

As the nation mourned the tragedy, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Prasad Yadav sparked controversy with his remarks. When asked about the incident, he dismissed it as "faltu" (meaningless) and questioned the significance of the Kumbh Mela, saying, “What is the point of Kumbh?” His statement drew sharp criticism, with many calling it insensitive and out of touch with the sentiments of millions of devotees.  

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the victims' families. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ordered an inquiry, promising to identify the lapses that led to the disaster. However, critics argue that mere investigations will not prevent such tragedies from recurring.  

India has witnessed multiple stampedes in religious and public gatherings due to poor crowd management, inadequate infrastructure, and slow emergency response. The latest disaster underscores the urgent need for stronger preventive measures, including better crowd control, improved railway infrastructure, and clearer communication during high-traffic events.