UP CM Yogi Adityanath Accuses Opposition Of Spreading Misinformation On Maha Kumbh Stampede

On Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath strongly criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. He accused them of accepting ‘payoffs’ to speak against Sanatan Dharma.

His remarks came as the opposition questioned the official casualty count in the Maha Kumbh stampede.

On Monday, Kharge raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, alleging that 1,000 people had died in the incident—significantly higher than the UP government’s official count of 30 deaths.

Akhilesh Yadav also challenged the figures, demanding a complete disclosure of casualties.

Speaking in Prayagraj, CM Adityanath stated, “On one hand, the people are witnessing such a big event and taking part in it with pride, and on the other hand, Sanatan Dharm ke khilaf supari lekarke shadyantra (taking a payoff to be against Sanatan Dharm), repeatedly there are malicious acts being plotted too.”

CM Yogi further asserted that the opposition has been critical of the Maha Kumbh mela from the very beginning. He added, “Everyone has been paying attention to how Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Samajwadi party chief Akhilesh Yadav both of them are not just against sanatan dharm but speaking against Maha Kumbh since day 1. This statement of theirs not just intense, but also condemnable, and shameful. The Congress president’s claim that thousands died in Maha Kumbh on Mouni Amavasya deeply saddens me.”

“That too such a misleading statement, lies and lies. Similarly, the statement of SP chief, there is a contest between the two, who will insult Sanatan more,” UP CM further noted.

CM Adityanath commended the security forces for swiftly ensuring that all the injured received medical attention, describing it as a testament to their dedication.

The UP CM emphasized, “Saying that no numbers (on deaths) were given. I had personally put the numbers in front of everyone, everyone was sad. NDRF, SDRF, civil defense, and police swiftly responded, working together to bring the injured to the hospital, showcasing commendable efficiency.”

During the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address on 2 February, Kharge stated, “I want to speak over the stampede in Maha Kumbh 2025. So many people lost their lives. I said a thousand people died there (at Maha Kumbh stampede), if you say that I am wrong then at least give the exact report of the number of deaths that took place there.”

Akhilesh Yadav, in a statement earlier today, again pressed for transparency.

“Why is the govt not giving the figures of the deceased in the stampede? If there was a large gathering at that time, why didn’t they allocate space within the Army premises? The Government allowed this incident to take place. Now, they refuse to provide the details, and anyone attempting to do so will face an FIR,” he said.

The stampede occurred during the second Shahi Snan on Mouni Amavasya at the Maha Kumbh Mela.

According to official reports, at least 30 people lost their lives, while around 60 sustained injuries.

Opposition leaders continue to criticize the handling of the situation, calling for greater accountability.

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