CM Yogi Adityanath fires back at Opposition during Maha Kumbh by claiming visitors only discovered exactly what they were seeking
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj has once again become a focal point of both spiritual significance and political debate. While millions of devotees from across the country and abroad have gathered to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam, the event has also sparked intense scrutiny over its management and safety.
During a heated Assembly session, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath fiercely defended his government’s handling of the Maha Kumbh, pushing back against Opposition criticism, especially in the wake of the January 29 stampede that claimed at least 30 lives. The Opposition questioned whether the administration had been adequately prepared, but Adityanath countered their allegations with a sharp and philosophical response:
"People found exactly what they were looking for. Vultures found bodies, pigs found dirt, devotees found clean arrangements; tourists found chaos, the poor found jobs, and the rich found business.”
This statement not only sought to dismiss accusations of mismanagement but also subtly suggested that perceptions are shaped by individual intent—a philosophical approach to counter political attacks.
The Political Storm
The Samajwadi Party (SP) and other Opposition leaders have been relentless in their criticism of the BJP-led government’s handling of the Maha Kumbh. The January stampede tragedy gave them further ammunition to question whether crowd control, infrastructure, and safety measures were sufficient.
Opposition’s Key Allegations
- Failure in Crowd Management: The stampede incident, which led to multiple casualties, exposed gaps in the administration’s preparedness.
- Overuse of Public Funds: Critics argue that the BJP is spending extravagantly on the Maha Kumbh for political mileage, rather than focusing on actual governance.
- Exclusive Religious Projection: Some leaders suggested that the Kumbh is being projected as an event solely for Hindus, despite its historical and cultural inclusivity.
- Comparison to 2013 Maha Kumbh: Opposition leaders pointed out that the previous Samajwadi Party government also successfully hosted a Maha Kumbh and claimed that Adityanath’s accusations of mismanagement under SP rule were politically motivated.
In response, CM Yogi Adityanath launched a fiery counterattack, targeting the previous SP government and dismissing their claims as politically motivated.
Yogi Adityanath’s Defense
During his speech, CM Adityanath made several strong points to defend his government’s efforts in organizing what he called the most successful Maha Kumbh ever.
No Mismanagement, Just Different Perspectives
Adityanath’s philosophical response to allegations about the event’s organization was widely discussed. His analogy—comparing devotees, tourists, the rich, and the poor—implied that everyone sees the Kumbh through their own lens. In his words, those looking for faith and spirituality found it, while those searching for flaws only saw problems.
This statement was a strategic move, shifting the narrative from criticism to perception, making it harder for opponents to attack the government’s handling of the event.
Blame on SP’s Past Failures
Yogi Adityanath also turned the tables on the Opposition, particularly targeting the Samajwadi Party for its handling of the 2013 Maha Kumbh. He accused the previous government of:
- Poor event management, resulting in corruption and inefficiency.
- Neglecting religious sentiments, by appointing a “non-Sanatani” leader (a reference to then-Urban Development Minister Azam Khan) to oversee the arrangements.
- Failing to keep the Ganga clean, claiming that Triveni Sangam was unfit for bathing during the 2013 event.
By highlighting SP’s alleged mismanagement, Adityanath sought to redirect the criticism away from his administration and frame himself as the more responsible leader.
Maha Kumbh as an Economic Engine
One of the most significant points in Yogi Adityanath’s speech was his explanation of the economic impact of the Maha Kumbh. He stated that:
- Millions of pilgrims traveled to Prayagraj, boosting local businesses, hotels, and eateries.
- The festival generated employment for thousands, from tour operators to small vendors.
- The tourism industry thrived, with visitors also traveling to Ayodhya and Kashi as part of religious circuits.
His argument was clear: the Maha Kumbh is not just a religious event, but a massive economic driver, benefiting both rich and poor alike.
How This Speech Plays Into BJP’s Political Strategy
The timing of the Maha Kumbh is crucial—state elections and 2025 general elections are on the horizon, and the BJP is leaving no stone unturned to consolidate its support base, especially among Hindu voters.
Key Takeaways from Adityanath’s Speech
✅ Shifts the debate from governance failures to personal perception—a strategic move to weaken Opposition criticism.
✅ Frames the SP as an anti-Sanatani party, reinforcing BJP’s Hindutva appeal.
✅ Showcases Kumbh as a global event, emphasizing the government’s efforts in promoting tourism and economic growth.
✅ Highlights Modi-Yogi leadership as pro-religion, pro-development, and corruption-free, creating a positive image among voters.
By using Kumbh and Ayodhya’s Ram Temple inauguration as symbols of cultural unity, the BJP is setting the tone for its electoral narrative—one that blends Hindu identity, nationalism, and governance.
Opposition’s Next Move: Can They Counter Yogi’s Narrative?
Despite Yogi’s confident rebuttal, the Opposition still has some leverage. The January 29 stampede was a tragic incident, and questions about crowd control, medical aid, and safety measures remain valid.
The Samajwadi Party and Congress are likely to:
🔴 Keep focusing on the stampede tragedy to keep the government accountable.
🔴 Push for an independent inquiry into alleged financial mismanagement in Maha Kumbh funding.
🔴 Highlight infrastructural gaps, especially issues related to sanitation, traffic, and crowd safety.
🔴 Frame BJP’s approach as religious tokenism, claiming that development should be inclusive, not just faith-driven.
Conclusion
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is not just a religious event—it is a political battleground. Yogi Adityanath’s sharp rebuttal to the Opposition showcases his confidence, control, and strategic messaging.
His statement about perception versus reality was a masterstroke, shifting the focus from governance lapses to individual perspectives. However, the tragedy of the stampede and genuine concerns about event management cannot be overlooked.
With elections looming, this debate is far from over. For now, CM Yogi Adityanath remains firm, positioning the Maha Kumbh as both a spiritual and economic success story—a move that could very well strengthen BJP’s foothold in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
