"Pilgrims died in 2013 Kumbh": Keshav Prasad Maurya slams Akhilesh Yadav

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 9 (ANI): As the 2025 Maha Kumbh nears its commencement, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Thursday hit out at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, saying that pilgrims died in accidents which happened during the Kumbh mela organised during his tenure as the Chief Minister.
His reaction came when asked about concerns raised by the opposition regarding arrangements made by the state administration for the Maha Kumbh. He said that during the Ardh Kumbh no unfortunate incident happened and thus, people were coming in huge numbers this time.
"One is served as per their intentions. When Akhilesh Yadav was in power and the Kumbh (2013) was organised under his tenure, there was huge chaos, and accidents happened where pilgrims died. However, when Ardh Kumbh happened (in 2019), nothing unfortunate happened. This is why a huge crowd is being drawn this time," Maurya told ANI.
Inviting all the seers and devotees to the Maha Kumbh, the Deputy CM further said that Maha Kumbh was being organised after 144 years, for which the government has ensured the best possible arrangements.
"Maha Kumbh is being organised after 144 years this year. There is a lot of excitement for the Maha Kumbh across the globe. All saints and devotees are welcome to the holy land of Prayagraj. Under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi and the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, the state government has made the best possible arrangements. Ghats have been expanded and all best arrangements for visitors have been ensured. The number of trains and aeroplanes has increased," Maurya said.
Meanwhile, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak highlighted the arrangements made by the Uttar Pradesh government for the Maha Kumbh. He said that 125 ambulances have been equipped with 15 Advance Life Support (ALS) while river and air ambulances have also been deployed.
"125 road ambulances have been equipped with 15 Advance Life Support (ALS). Additionally, air ambulances and river ambulances have also been deployed... The government has made proper arrangements to deal with any kind of situation," Pathak told ANI.
The Mahakumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 45 crore devotees are expected for the event. During the Mahakumbh, devotees will gather at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, to take a holy dip believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation). The Mahakumbh will conclude on February 26.
The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) of the Kumbh will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). (ANI)