Lok Sabha MP Rajesh Ranjan, also known as Pappu Yadav, sparked a massive controversy on Tuesday with his inflammatory remarks during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address. The Independent MP from Bihar’s Purnea constituency controversially suggested that politicians, religious leaders, and wealthy individuals attending the Maha Kumbh should die during the event to attain “moksha” (salvation).
“I won’t name the ‘baba’ but will quote him… He said all those who died in the stampede have attained ‘moksha’. So, I want that most ‘babas’, politicians, and those with big money should also take a dip (in the Sangam) and die there to attain ‘moksha’ or ‘kalyan’. I am saying such ‘babas’ should get ‘moksha’,” Yadav remarked, igniting a heated debate.
The comments followed the tragic stampede on January 29 at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which led to the deaths of at least 30 people, according to official figures from the Uttar Pradesh government. Yadav, however, claimed that between 300-600 bodies were removed from the Kumbh area after the stampede, suggesting that these victims had not received proper Hindu funeral rites.
“Even during (Jawaharlal) Nehru’s time, people died in a stampede during the Kumbh, but there was a count. There was no social media then. But today we have such advanced technologies and platforms… People there are saying at least 300-600 bodies were removed and they weren’t even cremated as per Hindu rituals,” he said.
The tragic stampede and the ensuing debate over the death toll continued to dominate discussions in both Houses of Parliament. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav raised concerns about the government’s alleged attempts to conceal the true number of casualties and demanded action against those responsible for the mismanagement of the event.
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy described the incident as one of the worst tragedies in Independent India. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also echoed similar concerns, urging for a list of the deceased to be made public.
In contrast, the ruling BJP party hinted at a conspiracy behind the stampede and promised accountability, stating that those responsible would have to face public shame once the investigation is complete.