Akhilesh Yadav Calls for Mahakumbh Extension Amidst Chaos and Stampedes

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has urged the Uttar Pradesh government to extend Mahakumbh dates, citing poor facilities and stampedes. Yadav criticized the state government for allegedly concealing the death toll from the Prayagraj stampede and highlighted logistical issues causing widespread confusion and accidents.

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav has called on the Uttar Pradesh administration to extend the Mahakumbh dates, citing inadequate facilities and recent stampedes deterring devotees. Yadav accused the Yogi Adityanath-led government of allegedly concealing the true number of casualties from the tragic incident in Prayagraj on January 29.

In a press statement, Yadav expressed concerns over the deteriorating amenities at the event. 'While arrangements were made for 100 crore people, far fewer have attended, yet conditions have worsened,' he stated. He mentioned long traffic jams and accidents leading to fatalities, and demanded an extension of the Kumbh Mela duration.

The stampede on Mauni Amavasya resulted in 30 deaths. A similar incident at New Delhi Railway Station intensified chaos as pilgrims headed to Prayagraj for Mahakumbh 2025. Miscommunication about trains with identical 'Prayagraj' prefixes led to confusion and disaster, as clarified by the Delhi Police.