Sonia Gandhi expresses shock at Patna stampede death

Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan also expressed sadness at the incident and attacked the JD(U) government in Bihar for allegedly failing to put in place measures to prevent the tragedy.

He said similar incidents had taken place during Chhatt puja in Bihar but the state government has "failed to learn lessons."

Paswan, MP from Bihar, will be visiting the state tomorrow to take stock of the situation.

JD (U) chief Sharad Yadav assured the state government headed by his party will probe the incident and take action against those responsible for failing to take adequate precautionary measures.

Expressing sorrow at the tragedy, Yadav said "the incident will be probed and those whose laxity and carelessness led to the tragedy will face strong action."

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede.

In a statement, he expressed shock over the mishap. "He has appealed to the administration to ensure that all measures towards relief are taken at the earliest," the party said in a statement.