Akhilesh Yadav Alleges Underreporting of Mahakumbh Devotees, Calls for Event Extension

SP Chief Claims Actual Footfall is 600 Million, Questions Government’s Data Accuracy

Lucknow, February 15: Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav has accused the Uttar Pradesh government of underreporting the number of devotees attending the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. While official figures released by the state administration claim that 501.1 million (50.11 crore) devotees have participated so far, Yadav asserts that the actual count is closer to 600 million (60 crore).

“By now, 60 crore people must have taken a bath, but the government is not disclosing the actual number. They are deliberately downplaying the figures to hide their mismanagement,” Yadav alleged during a press conference in Lucknow.

The SP leader further criticized the government’s handling of the event, particularly its logistical failures, lack of crowd management, and improper use of drone technology.

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🕉️ Akhilesh Yadav Demands Extension of Mahakumbh for Elderly Devotees

Yadav urged the UP government to extend the duration of the Mahakumbh to allow elderly devotees a chance to take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam.

“There are many elderly people, especially those above 65 or 70, who have not been able to take a bath. In earlier times, Kumbh lasted for nearly 75 days. Even during Emperor Harshavardhana’s era, it was extended for a longer period, attracting people from all religions and distant places. The government should extend it so that every devotee gets a chance,” he stated.

The Mahakumbh, which is held every 12 years, is a major Hindu religious gathering, attracting pilgrims from across India and the world. With unprecedented participation this year, Yadav claims that inadequate traffic management and stampede risks have prevented several devotees, especially the elderly, from attending the event.

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📌 SP Chief Questions Government’s “Digital Kumbh” Initiative

Yadav also slammed the Yogi Adityanath-led government for its failure to utilize drone technology effectively, despite its ambitious “Digital Kumbh” initiative.

“The government spoke about Digital Kumbh, but it is not even able to provide accurate figures yet. Earlier, they had announced that drones would be used for crowd management, but where they were actually needed, they were missing,” Yadav added.

He also demanded that local residents of Prayagraj be given a special opportunity to take part in the event before it concludes.

“Many locals are yet to take a dip. The government should make arrangements for them as well,” he emphasized.

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📊 UP Govt Claims Mahakumbh is “World’s Biggest Event” with 500M Participants

In response to Yadav’s allegations, the Uttar Pradesh Information Department reaffirmed that as of today, 501.1 million people have attended the Mahakumbh 2025 and taken a dip at Triveni Sangam.

The administration also highlighted that Mahakumbh 2025 has become the first event in the world to surpass 500 million direct participants, making it a historic religious gathering.

However, with Akhilesh Yadav questioning the figures, the political debate surrounding data transparency, event management, and government accountability continues.

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📍 Tags:

Mahakumbh 2025, Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, Akhilesh Yadav, Uttar Pradesh Government, Yogi Adityanath, Kumbh Mela Devotees, Triveni Sangam, Digital Kumbh, Hindu Pilgrimage, India Religious Events