Following a stampede at Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged people to remain calm, avoid rumors, and follow the administration’s instructions. He confirmed that several people sustained serious injuries early in the morning and are receiving medical treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are actively monitoring the situation and receiving frequent updates, Mr. Adityanath stated.
“The crowd is enormous, with nearly 8 crore pilgrims currently present in Prayagraj. Yesterday alone, around 5.5 crore devotees took the holy dip. A surge toward the Sangam led to injuries between 1 AM and 2 AM when some individuals attempted to scale barricades. They have been taken to the hospital for treatment,” he said.
He further assured that the situation is under control but acknowledged the overwhelming crowd. Extensive arrangements had been made by the local administration for the Mauni Amavasya holy dip, and he appealed for public cooperation.
“Saints have agreed that devotees will take the holy dip first, after which they will proceed to the Sangam for their ritual bath,” Mr. Adityanath explained.
He also urged people not to believe false information and to exercise patience. “The administration is fully prepared to assist. Spreading or acting on negative rumors could cause unnecessary panic,” he cautioned.
Additionally, the Chief Minister emphasized that pilgrims should not insist on reaching the Sangam Nose, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
“You can take the holy dip wherever you are—all ghats belong to the Ganga. If everyone follows the guidelines, we can ensure a smooth and safe experience for all,” he reassured.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have criticized the Yogi Adityanath-led government. The Congress blamed “inadequate preparations” and accused the administration of prioritizing “self-publicity” over safety. The Samajwadi Party demanded that Mahakumbh arrangements be handed over to the Army and took a swipe at the government’s claims of “world-class preparations.”
