A day after the tragic stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh 2025 left at least 15 people feared dead, opposition parties have intensified their attack on the BJP-led central and Uttar Pradesh governments, demanding urgent improvements in arrangements for devotees. Political leaders from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and AAP have called for enhanced food distribution, medical aid, and better crowd management, while urging the government to limit VIP movement at the festival.
Kharge Blames ‘Self-Promotion and Mismanagement’
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took a sharp dig at the BJP, holding mismanagement and "self-promotion" responsible for the tragedy. Expressing condolences to the victims' families, he called for immediate corrective measures before the remaining ‘Shahi Snan’ rituals.
"Our deepest condolences to the families of the devotees, and we wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. Half-baked arrangements, excessive VIP movement, and misplaced priorities have led to this disaster. Despite spending thousands of crores, such mismanagement is unacceptable. The central and state governments must wake up now and ensure better arrangements to prevent such tragic incidents in the future," Kharge wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Akhilesh Yadav Calls for Air Ambulances and Better Monitoring
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav went a step further, urging the UP government to deploy air ambulances for the critically injured, ensure the swift return of victims’ bodies to their families, and increase monitoring using helicopters.
"The news of devotees suffering due to mismanagement at the Maha Kumbh is extremely saddening. My condolences! We appeal to the government to immediately airlift seriously injured individuals to top hospitals, identify and return the deceased’s bodies to their families, and take swift action to reunite separated people. Additionally, helicopter surveillance should be increased for better crowd control," Yadav wrote on X.
He also stressed that the sacred tradition of the ‘Shahi Snan’ on Mauni Amavasya should continue without disruption but with improved safety measures. "The government must learn from today's incident and make additional arrangements for accommodation, food, water, and other essential facilities for devotees," he added.
AAP Criticizes Modi’s Focus on Elections Amid Crisis
Amid the political blame game, AAP leader and Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of prioritizing election campaigns over crisis management. His comments came after Delhi BJP shared a campaign video of Modi while the aftermath of the Maha Kumbh incident was still unfolding.
"All the devotees injured in the Maha Kumbh stampede have not even reached the hospital yet, and you are busy campaigning? It is your own government there—please look into the arrangements for the Maha Kumbh as well, brother," Bharadwaj wrote on X, targeting the Prime Minister.
Growing Political Tensions Over Maha Kumbh Management
With the Maha Kumbh still underway and several important bathing rituals yet to take place, opposition parties are increasing pressure on the Yogi Adityanath government to enhance safety measures. The BJP, however, has remained largely silent on the criticism, focusing on damage control efforts at the event.
Meanwhile, saints and religious leaders at the Kumbh have also echoed concerns over VIP movement, stating that excessive security arrangements for politicians disrupt the flow of pilgrims and create logistical challenges.
As the political storm intensifies, the government is expected to announce additional safety measures soon. However, with millions of devotees still expected to arrive in Prayagraj for the remaining key bathing days, the challenge of maintaining order while addressing political backlash remains a critical test for the UP administration.
