Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has called for the immediate takeover of the management and administration of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj by the Indian Army, following a stampede-like incident early on Wednesday morning. His demand comes after a chaotic situation at the event that resulted in casualties.
In a strong statement posted on X, Yadav criticized the Uttar Pradesh government, accusing it of failing to implement its promised “world-class system.” He argued that the tragedy had exposed the government’s inability to manage such a large-scale event and called for those responsible for the mismanagement to take moral responsibility and resign.
“To restore faith in the system among the saints and devotees, the Maha Kumbh’s administration should be immediately handed over to the Army instead of the UP government,” Yadav wrote. “Those who made false claims about a ‘world-class system’ should now take responsibility for the lives lost and step down.”
Earlier, Yadav expressed his sadness over the casualties, urging the state government to take swift action. “The news of casualties is deeply saddening. The government must ensure that the seriously injured are taken to the best hospitals via air ambulance and receive immediate treatment. Efforts should also be made to identify the bodies and return them to their families, while reuniting those who have been separated,” he said. He also called for increased surveillance, particularly using helicopters, to manage the crowds effectively.
Yadav emphasized the need for the Shahi Snan of Mauni Amavasya to continue alongside relief operations, suggesting that it should be conducted with proper safety measures.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation, maintaining regular communication with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Prime Minister has spoken to CM Yogi four times this morning, providing guidance for normalizing the situation and ensuring relief efforts are in place.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also reached out to CM Adityanath, offering full support from the central government in managing the aftermath of the incident.
The stampede-like situation occurred during the massive gathering of devotees at the Sangam Ghats for the “Amrit Snan” on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which marks the second Shahi Snan of the Maha Kumbh. The event is expected to draw around 80-100 million people. Other key bathing dates during the Maha Kumbh include February 3 (Basant Panchami—Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
