Kolkata

WestBengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday accused Opposition parties of using the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede for political gain instead of reaching out to the victims and those injured in the tragedy.

Adhikari made the remarks while visiting the family of Priya Samaddar, one of the 19 people killed in the stampede, at their home in New Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas district. He handed over Rs 25 lakh in compensation to the bereaved family on behalf of the state government.

The stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata claimed 19 lives and left 25 people injured.

When asked about criticism regarding the government’s response and the police arrangements at the pandal, Adhikari questioned whether opposition leaders had done enough to support the victims.

“Which opposition is there? Only the Leader of the Opposition, Ritabrata Banerjee-led faction exists,” he said.

He also questioned whether the Trinamool Congress, the CPI(M) and other opposition parties had visited the families of the victims or those injured in the incident.

“Did any such opposition party go to the Kolkata Medical College morgue or the Medical College Hospital after the stampede?” he asked.