Mumbai, Jan. 30 -- Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday, launched a scathing attack on the BJP and the Uttar Pradesh government over Prayagraj's Kumbh Mela management, alleging severe lapses that led to casualties on Thursday.

Speaking on the stampede-like situation at the religious gathering, Raut said, "This is a yog that occurs once every 144 years. The administration and the government knew there would be a massive crowd, yet they engaged in political marketing by claiming that 10 to 20 crore people would attend daily."

He further criticised the presence of political dignitaries in Mahakumbh.

"At such times, VIPs should stay away. The entire area was shut down for a day each for the Defence Minister, Home Minister, and ot...