'Not Releasing Correct Death Toll': Mamata Hits Out At Yogi Govt Over Maha Kumbh Stampede

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also claimed that the state government has been struggling to receive its required funds from the centre.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday voiced her concerns over the stampede that killed at least 30 people in Maha Kumbh last month, accusing the authorities in Uttar Pradesh of not releasing the correct death numbers.

While addressing a press conference following the state budget presentation in the West Bengal assembly, she also expressed her dissatisfaction over the alleged non-release of the state’s dues by the Centre.

"So many people died in the Maha Kumbh incident, but they are not releasing the correct death toll. They have created such hype that a large number of people visited Maha Kumbh but there were no proper arrangements made at the venue, " she said, news agency PTI reported.

Banerjee also claimed that the state government has been struggling to receive its required funds from the centre. "The Centre has failed to release Bengal's legitimate dues," Banerjee added.

In addition, the chief minister also reacted to the remarks of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Bengal, claiming that these were "biased" and "not based on facts"."Nirmala Sitharaman’s statement against Bengal is biased and not based on facts," Banerjee claimed.

Nirmala Sitharaman Lashes Out At TMC

On Tuesday, Nirmala Sitharaman hit out at the ruling West Bengal dispensation, accusing TMC of becoming a byword for exploitation and adding that the party has institutionalised corruption and devasted institutions.

Banerjee during her address, accused the central government of coming up with empty promises in the union budget. "The central budget contains only promises. We allocate funds from our own revenue, and what we say in our budget, we deliver," she highlighted adding that the stark contrast between the approach of the state and the alleged unfulfilled commitments of the Centre.

West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya on Wednesday unveiled a Rs 3.89-lakh crore budget for 2025-26, prioritizing social welfare initiatives. She also announced a 4% increase in dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees.  

Bhattacharya highlighted the need for a robust and dynamic federal system, stressing that a strong nation relies on empowered states. "The country cannot be strong without a strong federal structure," she stated, reinforcing the importance of state autonomy and a cooperative relationship between the Centre and states.