"Does UP govt want to fulfill its vision of USD 1 trillion economy through Mahakumbh?": Akhilesh Yadav

Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 18 (ANI): Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government for its handling of the Mahakumbh Mela 2025.
He questioned the government's priorities, asking if they aim to achieve their vision of a USD 1 trillion economy through the event. Akhilesh Yadav emphasised that such events are meant to serve people, not generate profits.
"Does the UP government want to fulfill its vision of a USD 1 trillion economy through Maha Kumbh? Such events are not held for profits, but for serving people. Government's duty is to serve the pilgrims, in which they have failed...," he said.
The SP chief criticised the government's mismanagement, citing the poor condition of the river water, which he claimed could have been avoided if the government had taken action three years ago. He also expressed concerns about the difficulties faced by elderly pilgrims due to inadequate arrangements.
Notably, on Mauni Amavasya January 29, 30 people lost their lives in stampede incident at Mahakumbh.
"Such huge mismanagement could not be seen anywhere else... Had the government worked 3 years ago, or when the government began its tenure, NGT report regarding the river water would not have been this way and people wouldn't have to take a dip in such dirty water...," he added.
Additionally, Yadav blamed the government's mismanagement for the recent stampede at the New Delhi Railway station, which resulted in loss of life. He argued that better preparation could have prevented traffic jams, station closures, and the tragic loss of life.
"All of that happened due to mismanagement of the government. Had they prepared well, traffic jams would have been avoided, they wouldn't have to close the railway stations, and nor would have so many people died at the station...," said Yadav.
The stampede happened around 10 pm on February 15 when thousands of devotees were heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival, causing severe overcrowding at the station. The stampede claimed 18 lives leaving several injured.
He also suggested extending the dates for Mahakumbh 2025. "The government must increase the duration of Mahakumbh so that those who couldn't visit can get the opportunity...," the SP chief asked the government.
The six-week festival, which commenced on January 13, will end on February 26. (ANI)