SP chief questions why films can be made tax-free but not tolls during Mahakumbh, demands transparency on the stampede tragedy.
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), February 9:
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday demanded toll exemptions on vehicles traveling in Uttar Pradesh during the Mahakumbh 2025, stating that it would help ease traffic congestion and travel hindrances.
Taking a jibe at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Yadav compared his demand to the tax-free status granted to certain films by the government in the past.
“On the occasion of Mahakumbh, vehicles should be made toll-free in UP. This will reduce travel hindrances and also the problem of traffic jams. When films can be made entertainment tax-free, then why not make vehicles toll-free during the grand festival of Mahakumbh?” Yadav posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Posters Predicting Political Future Appear Outside SP Office
Meanwhile, new posters outside the Samajwadi Party office in Lucknow made bold predictions about Yadav’s political future. The posters suggested that he would bring major political changes in 2027 and organize a grand Ardhkumbh in 2032.
Featuring an image of Akhilesh taking a holy dip at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on January 26, the poster read:
“27 mein aayenge Akhilesh, 32 mein bhavya Ardhkumbh karayenge vishesh.”
(“Akhilesh will return in 2027, and in 2032, he will organize a grand Ardhkumbh.”)
Yadav Targets UP Government Over Mahakumbh Stampede
Yadav has been vocal in criticizing the Uttar Pradesh government following the stampede at Mahakumbh Mela during the second Shahi Snan on Mouni Amavasya, which reportedly claimed at least 30 lives and injured around 60 people.
He demanded transparency regarding the exact number of fatalities, urging the government to release accurate figures on the deceased, the treatment of the injured, and the event’s management.
During a debate on the motion of thanks on the President’s Address, Yadav called for an all-party meeting to discuss the situation and recommended handing over disaster management responsibilities to the Indian Army.
“While the government is continuously giving budget figures, please also give the figures of those who died in Mahakumbh. I demand an all-party meeting should be called to clarify the arrangements for Mahakumbh. The responsibility of Mahakumbh disaster management and the lost and found centre should be given to the Army. The figures for the deaths in the Mahakumbh accident, treatment of the injured, availability of medicines, doctors, food, water, and transport should be presented in Parliament,” he stated.
Questions Government’s Actions and Calls for Strict Punishment
Yadav also demanded strict action against those responsible for the stampede and accused the government of suppressing facts about the tragedy.
“Log punye kamane aaye the aur apno ke shav lekar gaye hai,” he remarked, meaning, “People came to earn religious merit but had to leave with the bodies of their loved ones.”
He further criticized the government for focusing on symbolic gestures instead of accountability, questioning its decision to shower flowers from helicopters instead of acknowledging the deaths.
“When information surfaced that some people had lost their lives, what did the government do? They used government helicopters to shower flowers. Is this our Sanatan tradition?” Yadav asked.
With the Mahakumbh continuing until February 26, the political battle over the event’s management and safety concerns is expected to intensify in the coming days.