Akhilesh Yadav on Mahakumbh traffic jams: ‘People of Prayagraj in house arrest’

Yadav said that the supply of basic facilities has been halted, adding to the woes of the Maha Kumbh attendees and also the residents of Prayagraj.

Published on: Feb 10, 2025, 20:02:29 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday slammed the Uttar Pradesh government's arrangements after reports of hours-long traffic jams on roads leading to Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav been vocal in his criticism of the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government for its Mahakumbh preparations. (PTI)

The SP chief questioned the purpose of claiming government expenditure of ₹10,000 crores on the Mahakumbh mela preparations when devotees are facing issues. He also alleged that the residents of Prayagraj are facing issues due to reports of traffic jams in the city.

"All the roads whether to enter or exit from the Prayagraj are blocked due to heavy traffic. For the first time, the people of Prayagraj are under 'house arrest' as they cannot go out... If over ₹10,000 crores have been spent and the Delhi (central) govt is also helping, why are people facing issues? They should have taken help from the Army," Yadav told ANI.

Also see | Long queues of vehicles seen as traffic snarls hits Mahakumbh mela

MP CM's appeal

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav on Monday urged devotees to avoid travelling towards Prayagraj for the next couple of days due to reports of massive traffic snarls.

“There is pressure on traffic in areas of the state adjoining Prayagraj, especially in Rewanchal (places surrounding Rewa district), as people have travelled from other states. I am requesting all not to move ahead on this road for the next couple of days,” the chief minister told PTI.

“I humbly request everyone. Check on Google. If the road is clear, only then proceed. If there is difficulty on the way, stop at a suitable place and wait,” he added.

Also read | Akhilesh Yadav accuses BJP of hiding Kumbh stampede death toll numbers

SP's criticism of Kumbh arrangements

The Kannauj MP has been vocal in his criticism of the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government for its preparations and the alleged mismanagement during the world's largest religious gathering.

Yadav also said that loss of lives due to a massive stampede on the ritually auspicious ‘Mouni Amavasya’ day had exposed a “world-class system”. Urging the state government to fix accountability of officials, Yadav also demanded that the handling of the event be handed over to the Indian Army.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.