New Delhi: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, President A P J Abdul Kalam and Congress president Sonia Gandhi on August 27 expressed deep shock and grief over the loss of several lives in a stampede in Nashik Kumbh.

Describing the stampede as tragic and unfortunate, Vajpayee conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

President Kalam conveyed his condolences to Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde over the tragedy at the Nashik Kumbh.

In his condolence letter, the President conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of pilgrims who lost their lives there.

Kalam has also sent his prayers to those who have been injured and hoped for their early recovery.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed deep shock over the loss of several lives in a stampede during the Kumbh festival in Nasik.

"I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the stampede. This has been a painful week for the nation and especially for Maharashtra, which had experienced twin blasts in Mumbai two days back," she said.

PTI