Kolkata: Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday questioned the official Maha Kumbh stampede death toll and described the arrangements and planning as "shoddy".
"Till now, they haven't provided the official govt figures (total number of casualties). As far as I know from speaking to some journalists there, it would not be shocking if the numbers cross 100," Banerjee told reporters before flying to Delhi on Friday.
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Banerjee also accused the BJP govt of ignoring the poor while giving VIPs special treatment. "There is no facility for the poor, whereas we see special treatment for VIPs and VVIPs. This is extremely unfortunate because everyone has the same right. Elderly and poor people are going to Kumbh, perhaps they will get this opportunity only once in their lifetime. But there is no provision for them, whereas industrialists are enjoying privileges. This is what happens when publicity surpasses planning," he added.
The Trinamool neta said while he hoped BJP would learn a lesson from the incident, he doubted whether that would happen.
Banerjee also brought up Bengal govt's arrangements during Gangasagar Mela and urged UP to learn from the state. "People have seen how they are making special paths for leaders and ministers at Maha Kumbh, so much so that their vehicles are allowed near Sangam. This should not have been allowed," he said.