NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday criticised the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government, accusing it of failing to safeguard women’s dignity during the Maha Kumbh. Calling it a “highly disgraceful and sensitive issue,” Yadav condemned reports of women’s photos being publicly sold online, sparking outrage among devotees.
In a post on X, former UP CM said, “The BJP government has failed to protect women’s honour during the Maha Kumbh. By earning GST from this online sale, is the government not complicit in this illicit trade? The Uttar Pradesh and National Women’s Commissions must take immediate action and ensure strict punishment for those responsible.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the SP chief also lashed out at the state government over its handling of the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, questioning whether the event was being used to fulfill the government’s vision of a $1 trillion economy.
“Does the UP government want to achieve its $1 trillion economy target through the Maha Kumbh? Such events are meant to serve people, not generate profits. The government’s duty is to facilitate pilgrims, in which they have failed,” Yadav said.
He further highlighted concerns over mismanagement, pointing to the poor condition of the river water, which he claimed could have been improved had the government acted three years ago. He also raised issues regarding inadequate arrangements for elderly pilgrims.
Notably, on Mauni Amavasya (January 29), 30 people lost their lives in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh.
“Such large-scale mismanagement is unprecedented. Had the government taken action earlier or addressed the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) concerns on river pollution, pilgrims wouldn’t be forced to take dips in contaminated water,” SP chief added.