The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for the arrest of Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan following her controversial remarks about the alleged disposal of the dead bodies of the stampede victims in the Ganga.
VHP media in-charge Sharad Sharma criticized Bachchan’s statement, calling it “unfortunate” and alleging that it could incite instability in the country. “Jaya Bachchan should be arrested for spreading sensation by giving false and untrue statements,” Sharma said, as quoted by PTI.
The controversy stems from Bachchan’s statement to the media outside Parliament, where she reportedly claimed that not only was the water of the Ganga polluted but also that bodies of the dead were disposed in the river.
As reported by ANI, she said, “Where is the water most contaminated right now? It’s in Kumbh. Bodies have been thrown in the river because of which the water has been contaminated… The real issues are not being addressed.”
Speaking for the underprivileged devotees and the common man, she added, “The common people visiting Kumbh are not receiving any special treatment, there is no arrangement for them.”
She further accused the authorities of mismanagement at the religious gathering, saying, “They are lying that crores of people have visited the place; how can such a large number of people gather in that place at any given point?”
When probed further, about rumours of no postmortem being conducted for victims of the recent stampede, Jaya clapped back saying, “This is not about the postmortem. Dead bodies were taken and put in the river. Doesn’t that make the water contaminated? And here they are giving speeches on ‘jal shakti’ in the house.”
Sharad Sharma responded to her remarks, saying, “Maha Kumbh is the backbone of faith and devotion where one attains Dharma, Karma, and Moksha. The sentiments of crores of devotees are attached to this great ritual.”
Actor and BJP MP Arun Govil also condemned Bachchan’s remarks, demanding evidence to support her claim. “Has she given any proof? She has not given anything, so she has no right to say all this,” Govil said while speaking to ANI.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, also reacted to Bachchan’s comments, expressing disappointment over her statements. “I don’t like to answer political questions, but this is about the country. The pollution issue has been raised—Prayagraj is the most polluted place at the moment. I think Prayagraj has become the biggest district and city in the world as of now.”
Saraswati emphasized that the Kumbh Mela remains a unifying spiritual event, drawing millions of devotees, including visitors from abroad.
