Khagendra Kumar

The recurring incidents at the Maha Kumbh Mela and the journeys leading to it highlight a potential lack of foresight and planning on the part of the government. The focus on high-profile attendees, including politicians, business figures, religious leaders, and bureaucrats, coupled with extensive government promotion of this massive Hindu event, raises concerns about prioritization. While the Maha Kumbh is a significant religious gathering, the scale of the event, with attendance by a large portion of India's Hindu population, necessitates meticulous planning and management. Critics argue that the government's emphasis on advertising the event, potentially for political gain, may overshadow the crucial need to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.  

The text suggests a disconnect between the government's promotion of the Kumbh Mela and the realities on the ground. It claims that despite recurring incidents, instead of discouraging attendance, the government continues to encourage it. The rerouting of trains and the addition of special trains to accommodate Kumbh-bound travellers, potentially without adequate assessment of the overall capacity and logistical challenges. This, not only disrupts the travel plans of ordinary citizens but also encourages more people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to make the pilgrimage, sometimes with tragic consequences. The allure of spiritual purification and the promise of a better life, coupled with the highly publicized participation of prominent figures, contribute to this surge in attendance.  

The text further alleges that the government's management of the Maha Kumbh is flawed, prioritizing the interests of VIPs while neglecting the needs of ordinary pilgrims. It suggests a lack of remorse for the loss of life and suffering caused by these incidents. Media censorship and the influence of "Godi media" (a term used to describe media outlets perceived as being overly supportive of the government) prevent the public from receiving accurate information about the situation. However, the role of social media and some journalists in reporting the facts must be acknowledged.  

The Maha Kumbh, described as the world's largest gathering, becomes a symbol of this alleged mismanagement. The event has created an atmosphere of fear, where dissent is suppressed and those who dare to speak out are victimized. The text concludes with a call for the government to acknowledge its shortcomings and prioritize the well-being of its citizens. It warns that a lack of accountability and reform could lead to a public backlash.  

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How poor planning, mismanagement, and a culture of VIP entitlement led to the deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh

https://frontline.thehindu.com/news/prayagraj-stampede-maha-kumbh-tragedy-2025-mela-uttar-pradesh-sangam-vip-vs-pilgrims/article69159063.ece

45 Crore Devotees at Maha Kumbh

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2101679

Chaos at Kumbh Mela: A Tale of Mismanagement and Neglect - The Wire

https://m.thewire.in/article/religion/chaos-at-kumbh-mela-a-tale-of-mismanagement-and-neglect