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Maha Kumbh stampede: Congress slams Centre, Yogi govt for half-baked arrangements

Kharge blamed the incident on “half-baked arrangements, VIP movement, self-promotion, and mismanagement,” condemning the lack of proper organization despite the expenditure of thousands of crores of rupees.

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The Congress on Wednesday criticised the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments over the “stampede-like” situation at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh, calling for the event’s management to be handed over to a more capable administrator than Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and demanding an immediate halt to VVIP movement in the area.

Officials said multiple casualties and injuries as millions of pilgrims gathered for a holy bath on Mauni Amavasya, leading to chaotic scenes at the Sangam.

In response to the incident, the Akharas cancelled their traditional ‘Amrit Snan’ ritual for Mauni Amavasya, though devotees continued to throng the Sangam and other ghats in large numbers. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “The news of many people losing their lives and many others being injured in the stampede at Tirthraj Sangam during the Maha Kumbh is extremely heartbreaking.” He extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Kharge blamed the incident on “half-baked arrangements, VIP movement, self-promotion, and mismanagement,” condemning the lack of proper organization despite the expenditure of thousands of crores of rupees.

In a Hindi post on X, he urged the central and state governments to take immediate action to improve the system to prevent such incidents in the future. “Many important ‘shahi snans’ are still to come, so the governments must wake up now and ensure better arrangements for accommodation, food, first aid, and the movement of devotees. VIP movement must be reined in, as this is what our saints and sages also desire,” he said. Kharge also called on Congress workers to assist the victims in every possible way.

Pawan Khera, head of the Congress’ media and publicity department, echoed these concerns in a Hindi post on X, describing the deaths of devotees in the stampede as “very saddening.” He criticized the inadequate arrangements and the overwhelming crowd, stating that such an accident was always a risk. Khera demanded that additional security forces be deployed, the management be handed over to a more competent administrator, and the movement of VVIPs be stopped immediately.

Akanksha Rana, the Officer on Special Duty for the Mela, confirmed that several people were injured and hospitalized after a barrier broke at the Sangam, though the exact number of casualties was still being determined. The Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, the most significant ritual of the Maha Kumbh, was expected to draw around 10 crore pilgrims this year, further heightened by the rare celestial alignment of ‘Triveni Yog,’ occurring after 144 years.

The chaos at the Sangam was marked by the blaring sirens of ambulances and police vehicles, which disrupted the continuous chants of mantras and shlokas echoing across the Kumbh Mela area. The injured were rushed to the central hospital in the Mela area, where relatives and senior officials gathered.

The Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus, who believe that bathing there during the Maha Kumbh, especially on auspicious days like Mauni Amavasya, cleanses sins and grants salvation.

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West Bengal Governor dissolves Assembly amid political transition 

Governor R N Ravi dissolved the West Bengal Assembly after the 2026 poll results, with the BJP securing a majority in the state elections.

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May 7, 2026

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The West Bengal Legislative Assembly was dissolved following the conclusion of the 2026 Assembly elections, in which the Bharatiya Janata Party secured a clear majority in the state.

Governor R N Ravi issued the order dissolving the Assembly as the state prepared for the transition of power after the election results. According to reports, the BJP won 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, while the Trinamool Congress secured 80 seats.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned the election outcome and alleged irregularities in the poll process, claiming the mandate had been “looted”.

The dissolution came as the tenure of the existing Assembly ended on May 7, 2026. The development has sparked political discussions over the formation of the next government in the state.

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee held a meeting with newly elected Trinamool Congress MLAs in Kolkata and reportedly raised concerns over internal sabotage during the elections.

The BJP is expected to begin the formal process of government formation in West Bengal after its decisive victory in the Assembly polls.

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Eknath Shinde’s helicopter returns to Mumbai mid-flight due to bad weather

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s helicopter was forced to return to Mumbai after the pilot detected approaching storm conditions during a flight to Thane district.

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May 7, 2026

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A helicopter carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was forced to return to Mumbai on Thursday after encountering adverse weather conditions during a flight to Thane district.

According to officials, Shinde had departed from Mahalaxmi Racecourse in south Mumbai around 3.30 pm and was travelling to Murbad in Thane district to attend a wedding function related to a party worker’s family.

The helicopter reportedly reached the Airoli area in Navi Mumbai when the pilot noticed an approaching storm and informed the deputy chief minister about the deteriorating weather conditions. Following the alert, the flight was turned back as a precautionary measure.

The helicopter later landed safely at the Pawan Hans facility in Juhu, Mumbai. Officials said Shinde was accompanied by members of his staff, including personal assistant Prabhakar Kale, special executive officer Balsingh Rajput and media adviser Vinay Patrdukar.

The incident comes amid changing weather conditions and storm activity reported in parts of Maharashtra in recent days.

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Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant among 32 inducted in Bihar cabinet expansion

Nishant Kumar entered the Bihar cabinet for the first time as 32 ministers from NDA allies took oath in a major expansion of the state government.

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May 7, 2026

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Bihar government cabinet

A major cabinet expansion took place in Bihar on Thursday, with 32 leaders from the ruling NDA alliance inducted into the state government. Among the prominent names was Nishant Kumar, son of former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who entered the cabinet for the first time.

The expansion included representatives from all major NDA allies in the state. According to reports, the BJP secured 15 ministerial berths, while JD(U) got 13 positions. Two ministers were inducted from Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), while Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha received one berth each.

The oath-taking ceremony was held in Patna in the presence of senior NDA leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Nishant Kumar’s induction comes weeks after he formally entered active politics. His entry into the Bihar cabinet is being viewed as a significant development for JD(U), which had long projected an anti-dynasty image under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.

The cabinet reshuffle follows Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year and the formation of the government led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.

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