Lalu Prasad Yadav commenting on the stampede at the New Delhi Railway station said “Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai. Faltu hai Kumbh (Is there any meaning to Kumbh?… It is just meaningless). He also blamed the Railways for mismanagement.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – A fresh political storm has erupted after Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav sparked a controversy with his remark on the Kumbh Mela.
Yadav reportedly dismissed the religious gathering (Kumbh mela) as “faaltu” (useless), triggering outrage from Hindu groups, political opponents, and a section of the public.
His remarks came while commenting on the stampede at the New Delhi Railway station, in which 18 people lost their lives and many were left injured as passengers rushed to board trains bound for Prayagraj.
When former Railway minister was asked to comment on the large crowds heading to the mega religious gathering and suggestions for crowd management, Prasad said, “Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai. Faltu hai Kumbh (Is there any meaning to Kumbh?… It is just meaningless).
The RJD chief called the incident an “unfortunate one” and blamed the Railways’ “mismanagement” for it. “The incident is very unfortunate and I offer my condolences to the victims. This is a mismanagement by the Railways that led to the loss of so many lives. The Railway Minister should take responsibility,” Lalu Prasad said.
While offering condolences to the victims, Yadav added, “Kumbh faaltu cheez hai.
Yadav’s remarks instantly drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused him of insulting Hindu traditions. Bihar BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma said it has exposed the RJD’s mindset towards the Hindu religion.
“He is making such comments due to his politics of appeasement. The RJD leaders have always insulted the religious sentiments of Hindus. The latest statement by Lalu Prasad, calling the Maha Kumbh meaningless, exposes the party’s mindset towards the Hindu religion,” Sharma was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
The RJD, however, defended its leader, stating that his remarks were taken out of context. Party spokesperson Manoj Jha clarified, “Lalu ji has always respected all religions. He was merely highlighting the need for better crowd management at religious gatherings to prevent such tragedies. The opposition is twisting his words for political gains.”
JD(U) chief spokesperson, Neeraj Kumar, said: “Lalu Prasad should have refrained from such statements. But it is in his character to attack people’s faith from time to time. Several socialist leaders and their families took the holy dip in the Sangam. Was it this also ‘faltu’?”
The Kumbh Mela, considered one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for Hindus. Organised every 12 years at four major locations — Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik — the event witnesses millions of devotees taking a holy dip in sacred rivers, believing it cleanses their sins and leads to salvation.
With Bihar heading towards crucial elections in the coming months, analysts believe Yadav’s comment could have electoral repercussions, particularly among Hindu voters. Whether he chooses to clarify or retract his statement remains to be seen. As of now, the controversy continues to dominate headlines, keeping the veteran leader in the political spotlight yet again. (With inputs from agencies)