New Delhi– The political storm over the actual death toll in the Mahakumbh tragedy has intensified. A rift appears to be growing between the government and the opposition regarding the number of lives lost due to the stampede and mismanagement during the event. In the latest development, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, raised the issue on Wednesday, leveling serious allegations against the BJP governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh. Citing a major media report, he claimed that 82 people had died in incidents during the Kumbh, whereas the government is acknowledging only 37 deaths.

Rahul Gandhi said:

“While the entire country was immersed in a spiritual celebration with peace and devotion, many innocent lives were lost due to chaos and mismanagement. Yet the government is hiding the figures. This is morally wrong.”

Rahul Gandhi tweeted: “A BBC report reveals that the death toll from the Kumbh Mela stampede was concealed. Just like the corpses of the poor were wiped from the records during COVID. Just like the truth is buried after every major train accident. This is the BJP model – no count of the poor, no accountability!”

Opposition Spreading Rumors –BJP spokespersons dismissed the opposition’s allegations as a “political stunt.” They stated that the government has investigated all incidents with complete transparency and there is no question of hiding any deaths.

“Rahul Gandhi should stop trusting rumors over facts,” said a BJP spokesperson.

What Does the Media Report Say?

The report cited by Rahul Gandhi claims that an analysis of hospital and police records showed a total of 82 deaths. It also includes statements from several victims’ families who said there were delays in retrieving bodies or that names did not appear in official records.With the 2025 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approaching, this issue has posed a fresh challenge for the BJP. The opposition seems set to make it a key election issue, and sharper attacks may be seen in the coming weeks.