Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad ignited controversy on Sunday after dismissing the Maha Kumbh as "faaltu" (meaningless) while commenting on the tragic New Delhi Railway Station stampede, media reports.

The incident, which occurred as passengers rushed to board Prayagraj-bound trains, claimed 18 lives and left many injured.

Addressing the surge of devotees traveling to the religious gathering and concerns over crowd management, Prasad remarked, “Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai. Faltu hai Kumbh (What meaning does Kumbh have? It is meaningless).”

While expressing condolences, he blamed railway mismanagement for the tragedy.

“The incident is very unfortunate, and I extend my condolences to the victims. This happened due to the Railways’ mismanagement, which cost so many lives. The Railway Minister must take responsibility,” said Prasad, a former Railways Minister.

BJP, Hindu leaders slam Prasad’s remarks

Prasad’s statement drew sharp reactions from the BJP and Hindu religious figures, who accused him of politicising the tragedy.

Bihar BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma claimed the comment exposed the RJD’s stance on Hinduism.

“He is making such remarks due to his appeasement politics. RJD leaders have repeatedly insulted Hindu religious sentiments. Lalu Prasad’s statement calling Maha Kumbh meaningless is a reflection of the party’s mindset,” PTI quoted Sharma as saying.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha echoed the criticism, accusing Prasad of politicising the tragedy.

“He has always attacked Sanatan Dharma, and this mindset is evident in his approach towards Hindu traditions and religious figures. For the sake of appeasement, they have even forsaken their own values,” Sinha remarked.

Stampede triggered by train announcement confusion

The overnight stampede at the congested New Delhi Railway Station occurred after passengers slipped and fell on others while descending a foot overbridge. Delhi Police’s initial probe suggests that confusion between two Prayagraj-bound trains—Prayagraj Express and Prayagraj Special—played a role in the chaos.

According to police, an announcement about the Prayagraj Special arriving at Platform 16 misled passengers waiting for the Prayagraj Express at Platform 14.

Assuming their train was being shifted, many rushed towards Platform 16, triggering the stampede.

A high-level committee has been set up to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, Indian Railways has announced a compensation package: Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.