PM Modi Maha Kumbh Mela Visit On February 5 Likely To Postpone

Prayagraj: Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's scheduled visit to the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on February 5, is likely to be postponed or cancelled. According to sources, PM Modi's visit is likely to be postponed, in the backdrop of the stampede, which claimed the lives of at least 30 pilgrims and injured around 60 others. Now, the prime minister will visit Maha Kumbh Mela on some other day, in spite of February 5. 

Earlier, PM Narendra Modi also expressed his grief over the tragic incident and assured all possible help to the families of the victims. He even called UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath multiple times and took stock of the situation and relief works being done. 

PM Modi offered his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, describing the tragedy as "extremely saddening." He also assured that the local administration was providing all possible help to the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “The accident that happened in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way. In this regard, I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and I am constantly in touch with the state government.”

According to CM Yogi, the stampede, which occurred between 1 am and 2 am, took place when devotees climbed over barricades at Akhara Marg to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

The UP CM has announced a judicial probe into the matter, along with an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. A three-member judicial commission will investigate the reasons behind the stampede.

In the wake of the tragedy, the government has issued strict directives, including a ban on VIP protocol in the mela from now onwards, said Maha Kumbh DIG Vaibhav Krishna.

Other notable visits to the Maha Kumbh Mela are still scheduled, including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar's visit on February 1 and President Droupadi Murmu's visit on February 10.