Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government over the arrangements for the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. He alleged that the religious event, which holds deep significance for millions of devotees, has not been managed properly, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among pilgrims. According to Akhilesh Yadav, people associated with religious activities across the country should critically examine how the event has been conducted this year, as devotees have reportedly felt “hurt” compared to their past experiences at Kumbh.
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister accused the state government of being more focused on marketing and image-building rather than ensuring smooth arrangements for pilgrims. He claimed that despite grand announcements, the on-ground situation has been chaotic, with devotees facing severe inconveniences. He further alleged that the BJP government has exaggerated its claims regarding the scale of the event, misleading the public while failing to deliver on basic amenities.
Akhilesh Yadav took particular aim at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s statement that preparations had been made for 100 crore pilgrims. He argued that such remarks had only created false expectations among people. The arrival of renowned personalities at the event, he said, might have encouraged more people to visit Prayagraj, but the overall experience for the common devotee has been far from satisfactory. He also pointed out the controversy surrounding pollution levels in the Sangam, which he claimed was being downplayed by the government. In his sharpest remark, Akhilesh Yadav dubbed the BJP-led administration as a “double-blunder” government, a play on the ruling party’s “double-engine government” slogan.
Concerns over safety and mismanagement at the Maha Kumbh have intensified following the tragic stampede on January 29, which resulted in 30 casualties. Akhilesh Yadav expressed grief over the incident and questioned the government’s handling of crowd control and security measures. He emphasized that Kumbh takes place every twelve years and is not a new phenomenon, yet the BJP government has spent massive amounts of money on publicity while failing to provide essential facilities. He alleged that after drawing large crowds through aggressive promotions, the government neglected the needs of the pilgrims, leaving them to struggle for food, safety, and proper accommodations.
Akhilesh Yadav suggested that the event’s dates should be extended, as many people have not yet had the opportunity to take a holy dip. The Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, is set to conclude on February 26, coinciding with the festival of Maha Shivratri. However, Akhilesh Yadav believes that given the circumstances, extending the duration of the event would allow more pilgrims to complete their spiritual journey without unnecessary hardships.
The Samajwadi Party chief did not limit his criticism to the Maha Kumbh arrangements but also took the opportunity to attack the BJP government over its handling of the economy. He mocked the government’s discussions on economic milestones, calling it a “game of million trillion” that common people fail to understand. According to Akhilesh Yadav, the ruling party has failed to deliver on key promises, including doubling people’s incomes, creating jobs for the youth, and establishing major industries. He accused the BJP of focusing on rhetoric rather than real development, stating that economic hardships continue to plague the country despite tall claims from the government.
With the Maha Kumbh reaching its final weeks, opposition voices like Akhilesh Yadav’s are likely to keep the spotlight on the event’s arrangements. His remarks have added to the growing political debate over the state government’s performance, particularly as Uttar Pradesh gears up for upcoming elections. As lakhs of pilgrims continue to arrive in Prayagraj, the administration remains under scrutiny to ensure the event concludes without further controversies or mishaps.
