Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has strongly criticized the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government for allegedly prioritizing political publicity over the management of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. He accused the administration of underreporting the number of attendees to conceal mismanagement and called for better facilities, particularly for senior citizens wishing to take a holy dip at the Sangam.
The Kumbh Mela witnessed a tragic stampede, resulting in at least 30 deaths and numerous injuries. Yadav alleged that the actual death toll was being concealed and demanded an all-party meeting to address the issue. He suggested that disaster management should be handed over to the Army to ensure the safety of devotees.
Yadav further criticized the BJP government for allegedly using the Kumbh Mela as a political tool. He argued that millions of devotees attend the event out of faith and devotion, not because of government invitations. He questioned the need for inviting political leaders, stating that it turned a religious event into a stage for political promotion. However, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya countered Yadav’s allegations by pointing out that the SP leader himself had availed VIP privileges during his visit to the Kumbh, suggesting a contradiction in his stance.
Apart from his political critiques, Akhilesh Yadav has also emphasized healthcare development in Uttar Pradesh. During his tenure as Chief Minister, he laid the foundation stone for a world-class cancer institute at Chak Ganjaria farmlands on Sultanpur Road in November 2013. In January 2025, Professor Madan Lal Bhatt, former Vice-Chancellor of King George’s Medical University, was appointed director of the Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute and Hospital (KSSSCIH), furthering the project’s development.
Akhilesh Yadav’s recent remarks reflect his dual role as a critic of the current administration and a contributor to public welfare. While he continues to hold the BJP government accountable for its governance of the Kumbh Mela, his past contributions to healthcare highlight his focus on long-term public infrastructure. His statements serve as a reminder of the need for transparency and efficiency in governance, ensuring that religious and public events prioritize the welfare of citizens over political promotion.
