Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh government’s handling of the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, particularly after reports of severe traffic jams affecting both pilgrims and local residents. Yadav accused the government of failing to manage the logistical challenges of the event, which has led to significant inconvenience for people trying to reach the religious gathering.
Yadav questioned the effectiveness of the ₹10,000 crore expenditure allocated for the Mahakumbh preparations, suggesting that the government had misused the resources given the ongoing issues with traffic management. “For the first time, the people of Prayagraj are under ‘house arrest,’ as they cannot go out due to traffic congestion,” Yadav remarked in an interview with ANI. He also pointed out that the promised central government support was not sufficient to alleviate the situation, implying that better coordination and additional resources, such as assistance from the Indian Army, were necessary.
The Mahakumbh, which attracts millions of devotees from across the country and abroad, has seen an overwhelming influx of people. The sheer volume of pilgrims has clogged roads, making it difficult for both visitors and locals to move freely. The traffic chaos has worsened the struggles of Prayagraj’s residents, as disruptions to basic services, such as supply chains, have been reported.
Akhilesh Yadav emphasized the lack of preparedness despite the massive funds spent on the event. He criticized the local administration’s inability to manage the flow of devotees and protect the safety of residents. His remarks come in the wake of another tragedy at the Kumbh, where a stampede claimed multiple lives during the auspicious ‘Mouni Amavasya’ day. Yadav condemned the tragic loss and argued that the state had exposed its claims of a “world-class system” as inadequate in the face of such calamities.
Alongside his criticism, Yadav demanded accountability from government officials, urging the state authorities to take responsibility for the mismanagement. He also suggested that the Indian Army should take over the organization of the event to ensure smoother operations in the future.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav joined the call for caution, advising devotees to avoid traveling towards Prayagraj in the coming days due to the overwhelming traffic pressure. He specifically warned those traveling from Rewa and surrounding areas to reconsider their journey, urging them to wait until conditions improve. “Check Google maps before deciding to move, and if you encounter difficulties on the way, stop at a safe place and wait,” he added.
The traffic issues have sparked widespread frustration, and calls for more efficient management of the event continue to grow. With millions of people expected to attend the Mahakumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government faces mounting pressure to resolve the logistical crisis and ensure a safe, organized experience for all involved.
