After the third major incident of fire at the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s attacks on the BJP-led government of Uttar Pradesh have intensified. “Kumbh me aag laga di,” he said; they have set the Kumbh on fire.
He attributes this to poor administrative management and misuse of fire safety at the sacred congregation.
Fire Incidents:
The most recent incident occurred on February 6, 2025; it was the third major fire at the Mahakumbh in a series of minor fire incidents.
The initial investigation has suggested that an electrical short circuit in one of the tents started the fire, which soon spread to the neighbouring tents.
Fortunately, nobody died in the incident, but property worth lakhs was reported destroyed, leading many pilgrims to have their activities disrupted.
Akhilesh Yadav Attacks on Uttar Pradesh Government:
Akhilesh Yadav has been critical of the way the state has handled the Mahakumbh. In his first address after the recent fire incident, he said: “The BJP has failed in providing security to the devotees in the Mahakumbh. Although fire incidents have taken place before, no other initiative has been taken in order to prevent reoccurrence of such disasters; this is gross negligence.”
He further demanded that a high-level commission be immediately set up to investigate the repeated fire incidents and hold the delinquent officials accountable. The chief has also been outspoken about further modifying relief and extending better safety protocols.
Government Reaction
In its defense against adversaries, the Uttar Pradesh government has indicated it would uphold the safety and well-being of pilgrims at the Mahakumbh.
Officials are going to form a high-level committee that will investigate the reasons behind the fire and suggest measures that will ensure safety.
A government official said: “We are deeply concerned over the recent fire incidents at the Mahakumbh. A thorough investigation is underway and all possible measures will be taken to ensure the safety of our devotees.”
Other Incidents and Fire Hazards
In recent weeks, a number of fire incidents have occurred at the Mahakumbh. A blaze broke out in the Kalpwas camp area on January 29, 2025, damaging several tents and injuring some pilgrims.
Another accident occurred on February 3 during the Basant Panchami Snan, causing panic among the attendees.
These recurrent incidents have given rise to serious concerns over the adequacy of safety measures during the event.
Experts have pointed to factors such as overcrowding, flammable materials used in tent construction, and poor electrical infrastructure among the probable causes of the fires.
Public Sentiment and the Council of Pilgrims
The strong sequence of fires at the Mahakumbh has resulted in uneasy moments for the pilgrims. Many have expressed disappointment over the safety and demanded better infrastructures with prompt responses.
A devotee from Varanasi told: “We come here to ask for blessings, and these incidents are terrifying. The authorities must guarantee our safety so we can perform our rituals peacefully.”
As the Mahakumbh continues, attention remains focused on infusing effective monitoring to stave off further disasters. The government’s response to the recent blazes and the results of upcoming investigations will be key in restoring public faith.
The situation highlights the need for strict safety mechanisms, proper inspections, and timely emergency responses to assure the safety of millions of devotees attending the Mahakumbh.
