Party games?

The editorial in this month's Congress mouthpiece Sandesh, which can be considered the party's official view, has raised many eyebrows. That's because the editorial, after highlighting the United Progressive Alliance government's achievements in introducing crucial legislations, also draws attention to the recent "tragedy at the Kumbh mela". It lays the blame on the "inadequate arrangements at the site" and goes on identify the (Allahabad) "railway station" as the location. The editorial clearly states that it is "traditionally known that a large number of people assemble there especially on 'Mauni Amavasya' [the day when the stampede took place at the railway station]". While referring to the "anguish" expressed by Congress President Sonia Gandhi at the loss of lives, it obviously shows incumbent Congress minister Pawan Kumar Bansal in poor light. The minister and his ministry had ascribed the tragedy to circumstances beyond their control.