Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Monday alleged that "thousands" had died at the ongoing Maha Kumbh, though he did not provide any evidence to support his claim. His statement came days after the Uttar Pradesh government confirmed 30 deaths in a tragic incident last month.
Kharge's remarks sparked strong objections from the treasury benches and Vice President Dhankhar, who urged him to substantiate his claim of a thousand deaths at the Maha Kumbh.
In response, Kharge clarified that his statement was an estimate and invited the government to present the actual figures if his numbers were inaccurate.
He stated that he was open to correction, saying, “I did not say ‘thousands’ to accuse anyone. But at least disclose how many people lost their lives. If I am wrong, I will apologise. The government should provide data on the number of deceased and missing persons.”
The stampede took place during the Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, on January 29. As per data from the Uttar Pradesh government, 30 people lost their lives, and 60 others were injured.
Kharge’s misleading statements about the Maha Kumbh curiously align with sensational remarks from another opposition leader, creating the impression of a coordinated effort to discredit the UP government and distort facts about the world’s largest gathering, the Maha Kumbh.
Accusing the administration of a massive failure, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ram Gopal Yadav alleged that “thousands had died,” with some bodies “thrown into the Ganga” and others “buried.”
Yadav further claimed that the state government was concealing the actual death toll, asserting that officials were directed not to report figures exceeding 30. However, he provided no concrete evidence to support his claims, relying instead on accounts from “eyewitnesses.”
Additionally, the SP leader alleged that families were being offered bribes ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 to remain silent and forgo post-mortem examinations. Yet again, he failed to present any evidence for these allegations, making sweeping statements to the media outside Parliament. Despite the gravity of these accusations, neither Ram Gopal Yadav nor any other opposition leader provided formal complaints or credible eyewitness testimonies to substantiate claims of such widespread fatalities.
Despite the UP government confirming 30 deaths resulting from a stampede-like incident last week, two opposition MPs have continued to push the exaggerated claim of "a thousand deaths." This appears to be an attempt to undermine the Maha Kumbh and, by extension, the Yogi Adityanath government, particularly regarding the management of one of the world’s largest and most unique Hindu gatherings.
After 144 years, the Maha Kumbh is being held in Prayagraj, at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. The Sangam is graced by the presence of numerous sadhus and seers, and Hindu scriptures emphasize the grandeur of the event, making it a once-in-a-lifetime aspiration for every Sanatani to bathe in the holy waters of the Prayagraj Kumbh. Hindu beliefs dictate that completing the Maha Kumbh pilgrimage involves not only bathing at the Triveni Sangam but also seeking darshan of the sacred Akshayvat.
Kumbh Mela stands as the world’s largest religious and cultural gathering, deeply rooted in scientific principles. The astronomical alignment of celestial bodies during Ardha Kumbh, Purna Kumbh, and Maha Kumbh creates the ideal conditions for these events. The earliest written mentions of the Kumbh are found in the travel accounts of Chinese explorer Huen Tsang, although religious texts trace its origins to the dawn of the universe.
The Atharva Veda references the Kumbh Mela, mentioning phrases like Chaturtha Dadami and Poorna: Kumbhoshadhikaal Aahitastam. However, 14th-15th century scholar Sayana and 17th-century scholar Udgeethas clarify that the first phrase praises the Vishtari Yajna, and the second refers to 'divine time.' In this context, ‘Kumbh’ is interpreted as a ‘water pot’ rather than the festival itself.
The Yogi Adityanath government holds a unique position in organizing such a prestigious and significant gathering. Major arrangements and a substantial budget have been allocated to ensure pilgrims from across the country experience a comfortable, spiritual, and seamless journey to the Sangam. While the unfortunate tragedy has cast a shadow over the Maha Kumbh, revealing administrative shortcomings, the government has swiftly addressed these concerns and made safety a top priority for pilgrims.
The opposition parties have grown restless, first with Yogi Adityanath’s return to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2022, and then with Prime Minister Modi’s re-election in 2024. The situation worsened as opposition parties lost significant states like Maharashtra and Haryana shortly after the Lok Sabha elections, further exacerbating their challenges. The cracks in their supposed “unity” became evident, especially during the Delhi elections, when Rahul Gandhi launched sharp criticisms against the Aam Aadmi Party, a member of the INDI alliance.
With Uttar Pradesh heading toward elections in just two years, opposition parties likely recognize the significance of the Maha Kumbh and its potential political impact on Yogi Adityanath. As a dynamic saffron-clad chief minister with a strong stance against mafias and a reputation for 'bulldozer justice,' Yogi has already gained significant popularity. Thus, the recent attacks in Parliament and the fear-mongering over the Maha Kumbh reflect the desperation of opposition leaders, who are willing to exploit one of the holiest Hindu gatherings for political gain.
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