Akhilesh Yadav Calls for Maha Kumbh Extension Amid Growing Crowds

Paryagraj: Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday called for an extension of the Maha Kumbh festival, citing the overwhelming number of devotees still en route to the religious gathering in Prayagraj. Yadav criticized the festival’s poor arrangements, highlighting that elderly and economically disadvantaged individuals were unable to attend due to long walks and high travel costs. He also pointed out that local residents could not participate due to traffic jams.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Yadav demanded the fair’s duration be extended to allow those affected a chance to participate and “earn merit.” He further accused the BJP-led state government of downplaying the actual number of attendees, claiming that 60 crore people had bathed at the Triveni Sangam, far higher than the 50 crore reported by the government. Yadav argued that the government was intentionally underreporting the figure to hide its administrative failures.

The ongoing Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, is scheduled to end on February 26. However, the event has seen severe congestion on roads and packed railway coaches, with visuals circulating on social media. The Uttar Pradesh government has touted the festival as a success, despite criticisms over its handling.