Lucknow: Two killed, several injured in stampede at Mayawati's mega rally

Two aged women were killed and more than a dozen were injured in a stampede on Sunday at  a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) mega rally in Lucknow, which was addressed by  the BSP supremo Mayawati on Sunday.

According to a police officer, the incident occured because of overcrowding at the rally. The chaos ensued when a large group attempted to force its entry from gate number 1 at the Kanshiram Smarak Sthal, the rally venue. Two women who had fallen were trampled in the melee.

Some of the injured were taken to the Lokbandhu Hospital where the condition of one person is said to be critical, according to Indian Express.

However, BSP UP state president, Ramchal Rajbhar was quoted saying to ANI that a woman in the rally died because of humidity and not because of a stampede.

Addressing the rally where thousands had gathered to mark the 10th death anniversary of Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram, Mayawati launched attacks at Narendra Modi, accusing him of spreading hatred and communalism in Uttar Pradesh.

"Dalits are being targeted in various parts of the country in the name of cow protection. Minorities and Dalits are being harassed, as BJP wants to convert India into a Hindu nation...Harassment of Dalits and minorities would stop in the state once a BSP government comes to power in Uttar Pradesh," Mayawati was quoted saying by ANI.

Uttar Pradesh is scheduled go for Assembly elelctions in early 2017.