Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 11 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has responded to critics, particularly West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who referred to the recent Mahakumbh event in Prayagraj as a ‘Mrityu Kumbh’ due to alleged mismanagement.

Adityanath countered that the event was in fact a ‘Mrityunjay Mahakumbh’, underscoring its success despite challenges. In an exclusive interview, he said the West Bengal government was alarmed by the large turnout of devotees from the state, with between 50,000 and 100,000 pilgrims reportedly arriving in Prayagraj daily from January 13 to February 26.

He criticised opposition parties, including the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Samajwadi Party, stating that their remarks were ‘an insult to the faith of India’ and indicative of ‘appeasement’.

‘Every day from Bengal, from January 13 to February 26, 50,000 to 100,000 devotees used to come to Prayagraj. The West Bengal government got scared to see the crowd as their railway stations and airports were filled with people heading to Prayagraj... Whether it is the West Bengal government, the Congress, the RJD, or the Samajwadi Party, whatever they have said about the Mahakumbh is an example of their appeasement. It is an example of insulting the faith of India. But the Mahakumbh has proved that it was a Mrityunjay Mahakumbh,’ said the Chief Minister.

His remarks follow Banerjee’s criticism of the event’s arrangements, particularly in light of a stampede that resulted in fatalities. Adityanath provided an update on the ongoing investigation, noting that a judicial commission had been established in accordance with directions from the High Court and Supreme Court.

‘A judicial commission has been set up for it. The High Court and Supreme Court have given directions, and it is working accordingly. We gave a month's time, but the High Court asked for an extension. So, we are proceeding as per that timeline. The commission is taking statements and collecting facts from all sides—including what the state government provided—and will submit its findings. After that, we will proceed based on the report,’ Adityanath said.

Notably, 30 people reportedly lost their lives in the stampede that occurred on January 29 during the Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.

Despite these challenges, the Mahakumbh festival was described as a record-breaking success, with over 60 crore devotees taking the Holy Dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. The Chief Minister credited the scale of participation to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that over 66 crore devotees participated in the 45-day event.

Adityanath added that only those who have visited the Kumbh can understand its true significance. He framed the gathering as a demonstration of faith prevailing over adversity, while investigations into the casualties continue under judicial oversight.

(ANI)