Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party, raised serious concerns on March 19, 2025, regarding the Maha Kumbh festival, claiming that over 1,000 Hindu devotees who attended the event in Prayagraj are still missing. In a dramatic press conference, he accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of neglecting its responsibilities and not doing enough to address the alarming situation of these missing individuals.
Yadav’s allegations come on the heels of his intense scrutiny of the government's management of the grand event, which is considered a significant religious gathering, attracting millions of pilgrims from across the country. “It is sad that the BJP government of Uttar Pradesh is getting those posters removed,” Yadav expressed, referring to numerous flyers placed in hospitals and public spaces indicating missing persons.
Moreover, Yadav questioned the central government's budget allocations for the Maha Kumbh, highlighting what he sees as a blatant disregard for the safety of the devotees. He stated, “What budget did the Government of India give for organizing Maha Kumbh? The Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were only making arrangements for where the vehicles would be parked.” His comments struck a chord, particularly in light of the widespread reports of chaos and mismanagement during the festival.
In what appeared to be a deflection from the rising criticisms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently praised the Maha Kumbh in Parliament, framing it as a beacon of India’s national consciousness and unity. Describing the event as a significant milestone in the country's history, Modi stated, "People put aside their egos and gathered in Prayagraj with the feeling of 'we' and not 'I'." However, he notably refrained from addressing the tragic incidents that transpired during the festival, including the reports involving the missing devotees and instances of stampedes that occurred amidst the throngs of participants.
This silence did not go unnoticed, as Yadav and other opposition leaders swiftly called out the Prime Minister for not acknowledging the plight of those who lost family members during the festival. “BJP should give information about the missing 1,000 Hindus to their families,” Yadav demanded, pointing out the government’s failure to take accountability.
Yadav’s critical tone included calls for the government to assist the families affected, emphasizing that the BJP must do more than just provide vague assurances. He stated, “The government should find the Hindu brethren who are missing and unite them with their families.” With posters of over 900 devotees still visible throughout Prayagraj, the lack of effective communication from authorities has left many families in despair.
Another aspect of the discourse around the Maha Kumbh has been the contentious relationship between the state and its officials, with accusations of law enforcement preventing devotees from entering the event. “Can anyone imagine that the CMs of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were making the arrangements for vehicle parking? Several IPS officers were stopping devotees from visiting and saying that they didn't have proper arrangements for them,” Yadav claimed, accusing the officers of failing to secure the safety of the pilgrims.
As the political atmosphere heats up, the opposition has embraced Yadav's allegations to question the competence of the BJP government ahead of upcoming elections. Political analysts note that this could galvanize the downtrodden demographic groups against the ruling party, especially as more families come forward with personal stories of loss and neglect linked to the festival.
In a stark contrast to Yadav's allegations, PM Modi's optimistic narrative of unity stands in sharp relief against the backdrop of the tangible pain experienced by numerous families. Modi expressed confidence in India's strength during the Maha Kumbh and likened it to pivotal moments in the nation’s history that shaped its identity. His comparative remarks are especially notable given they framed the festival as a testament to resilience and collective identity, ignoring the explicit challenges faced by authorities.
As the events surrounding the Maha Kumbh continue to unfold, Yadav's insistence on transparency regarding budget approvals could prove crucial. He demanded, “The Centre would have given a budget for the Maha Kumbh to the state government -- that should be mentioned.” Such calls for accountability not only resonate with local sentiments but potentially serve as a rallying cry for broader political mobilization against the BJP’s governance.
The Maha Kumbh, held this year due to a rare celestial alignment, has become a significant focal point for political rhetoric. While the Prime Minister seeks to celebrate the sense of unity embodied by the festival, the opposition leverages the disarray evidenced by reports of missing devotees and neglected safety protocols to question the BJP's leadership. The significant divide between Modi’s praises and Yadav's allegations illustrates the challenges the ruling party faces as it navigates the aftermath of a critical cultural event.
In sum, the ongoing discourse surrounding the Maha Kumbh highlights the difficulty in reconciling narratives of national pride against the stark human realities faced by many participants. With over 1,000 devotees still unaccounted for, the call for action grows louder as families and political leaders alike demand answers and accountability from their government.
