The tragic stampede during the Mauni Amavasya Snan at Maha Kumbh 2025 has sparked political reactions, with Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav strongly criticizing the Yogi government over the mishap. The Kannauj MP expressed grief over the loss of lives due to alleged mismanagement and has made five key appeals to the administration to ensure the safety and well-being of devotees.

Akhilesh Yadav’s Five Key Appeals to the Government

1. Air Ambulance and Medical Aid: Seriously injured devotees should be transported to the nearest top hospitals using air ambulances, and immediate medical assistance should be arranged.

2. Identification and Handover of Bodies: The government must quickly identify the deceased and ensure their remains are handed over to their families, with arrangements to send them to their residences.

3. Reuniting Separated Devotees: Efforts should be made on a priority basis to reunite devotees who got separated from their families during the stampede.

4. Enhanced Surveillance: The administration should deploy helicopters for better crowd monitoring and ensure improved surveillance to prevent further mishaps.

5. Safe Conduct of ‘Shahi Snan’: While maintaining the sacred tradition of the Shahi Snan, the government should ensure all safety measures are in place so that devotees can continue their pilgrimage without fear.

Akhilesh Yadav Urges Devotees to Remain Calm

Along with his appeals, Akhilesh Yadav urged devotees to maintain peace and patience during these difficult times and complete their pilgrimage in an orderly manner. He also called on the government to strengthen basic facilities like food, water, and accommodation to prevent further chaos.

Confusion Over Akhara Bathing Schedule

The tragedy also led to uncertainty regarding the Akhara bathing schedule. Akhara Parishad President Ravindra Puri initially announced that the Shahi Snan had been canceled following the stampede. However, by 8 AM, he revised his statement, confirming that talks were underway with the government to proceed with the traditional bathing.

Millions Gather for Holy Dip Amid Safety Concerns

As per Kumbh tradition, Sanyasi, Bairagi, and Udasi Akharas arrive at the Sangam in grand processions for the Amrit Snan. The Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani is always the first to take the sacred dip.

Despite concerns over overcrowding, the Mela administration had issued advisories before the event. Kumbh SSP Rajesh Dwivedi urged pilgrims to bathe at any available Sangam Ghat and ignore rumors about unsafe locations.

On the eve of Mauni Amavasya, a staggering 4.83 crore devotees took a dip at the holy Sangam. Earlier, 3.5 crore people bathed on Makar Sankranti, while 1.7 crore devotees participated in Paush Purnima Snan.

As investigations into the Maha Kumbh stampede continue, questions remain about crowd management and safety measures. The incident has reignited debates over event planning at one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.

Stay tuned to Betulhub for more updates on Maha Kumbh 2025.