Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has ignited a political storm by dismissing the term “Maha Kumbh” as a government-coined phrase designed to “waste public funds” and “misguide” citizens. Speaking at Prayagraj on February 17, 2025, Yadav asserted that the term lacks historical authenticity and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of inflating the event’s significance to justify excessive expenditure. “There is no such thing as ‘Maha Kumbh’—this name was invented to drain resources. They misled people by claiming it occurs once every 144 years,” he said, referencing the government’s claims of hosting over 45 crore pilgrims during the event. His remarks echoed earlier criticism by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Lalu Yadav, who labeled the congregation “meaningless,” further fueling tensions between opposition parties and the BJP.
The BJP swiftly condemned Yadav’s statements, framing them as an attack on Sanatan Dharma and Hindu traditions. The Uttar Pradesh BJP unit accused him of engaging in “cheap politics” to undermine faith, posting on social media platform X: “Akhilesh Yadav’s offensive remarks about Mahakumbh, a grand festival rooted in spirituality, are objectionable. He must apologize to the nation”. Senior BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, dismissed Yadav’s claims as “anti-Sanatan,” asserting that the government’s arrangements had facilitated a historic gathering. Adityanath cited studies documenting the Kumbh’s origins in ancient India, including references to King Harshavardhan’s era, to counter the SP chief’s skepticism.
Yadav’s critique, however, extended beyond semantics. He highlighted systemic failures in infrastructure and safety, pointing to a recent stampede during the Shahi Snan (royal bath) on January 29, 2025, which he claimed resulted in unreported casualties. “People came to earn spiritual merit but left carrying their loved ones’ bodies,” he lamented in Parliament, alleging that authorities used JCB machines to clear victims’ remains without transparency. He demanded an all-party inquiry and urged the central government to transfer event management to the Indian Army, citing a “loss of faith” in the Uttar Pradesh administration. His claims contradicted BJP assurances of “excellent arrangements,” with Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak stating, “The Mahakumbh is a symbol of unity, and we welcome all devotees”.
The SP chief’s criticism follows a pattern of escalating rhetoric. Earlier in January, he had taken 11 holy dips at the Triveni Sangam, emphasizing the Kumbh’s spiritual essence while criticizing logistical shortcomings. “Elderly pilgrims are walking kilometers for basic amenities. This sacred event should not be treated as a competition,” he remarked, urging the BJP to prioritize pilgrims’ welfare over political grandstanding. His dual stance—participating in rituals while condemning governance—reflects a strategic balancing act between appealing to Hindu voters and challenging the BJP’s narrative of religious stewardship.
The controversy has broader implications for Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape. With the 2027 state elections looming, Yadav’s remarks aim to position the SP as a critic of BJP’s “corruption and failed governance.” He cited crumbling infrastructure in Varanasi and Lucknow, potholed roads, and inadequate healthcare as evidence of systemic neglect, framing the Mahakumbh as a microcosm of administrative failure. Meanwhile, the BJP has leveraged the event to showcase its commitment to Hindu traditions, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other leaders participating in high-profile rituals, further polarizing the debate.
As the Maha Kumbh continues until February 26, the clash between faith and politics remains unresolved. While Yadav’s critiques resonate with those highlighting mismanagement, the BJP’s defense underscores its alignment with Hindu identity politics. With millions of devotees still converging at the Sangam, the event’s legacy may hinge on whether it is remembered as a spiritual milestone or a political battleground.
