Kolkata MP Expresses Condolences Amid Durga Puja Tragedy, Government Offers Support to Victims Families

Kolkata, October 18 (Daily Kiran) : Kolkata MP Jyotirmoy Singh Mahto expressed his condolences following the tragic stampede during the Durga Puja festivities. He stated that both the Chief Minister and the Union Home Minister are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing that the entire government stands with the affected families.

In a conversation with reporters, Mahto remarked, “We cannot bring back those who have left us, but the entire government is with the victims’ families.” He highlighted that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari personally visited the hospital to meet the families of the deceased and later assessed the incident site.

Regarding compensation, Mahto announced that the state government will provide ₹25 lakh to the families of the deceased and offer a government job to one member from each family. Additionally, those injured and hospitalized will receive ₹5 lakh each. The central government has also pledged assistance, with the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund allocating ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.

Mahto took the opportunity to criticize the previous administration, referencing a tragic flood in Darjeeling a year ago that resulted in nearly a hundred fatalities. He pointed out that former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was preoccupied with Dandiya events during that crisis, while she now claims the current government is not functioning effectively.

He praised Chief Minister Adhikari for his proactive approach, noting the significant difference between the past and present situations. “The Chief Minister is actively overseeing every aspect, working late into the night to manage the situation. The people of Bengal accept his leadership and are pleased under his guidance,” Mahto added.

The MP also mentioned that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is currently in Kolkata, gathering information about the incident. Shah plans to meet with the victims in the hospital and has canceled other engagements to focus on this matter. Following the tragedy, Chief Minister Adhikari has directed the cancellation of all state-sponsored festive events, allowing only religious observances to take place without celebratory activities.