Political spat erupts over traffic gridlock on Mela routes

A war of words has erupted between Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav and deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya over the handling of traffic congestion and arrangements for devotees flocking to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh.

- HT Correspondent

LUCKNOW:

Akhilesh Yadav on Monday alleged that the government had failed to assist those stranded in traffic for hours. "People stuck in the traffic jam are imprisoned in their vehicles for hours. Women have no place to meet their daily needs, and devotees have lost contact with their families due to drained mobile batteries," the former chief minister wrote on X.

Without naming Maurya, he alleged that neither the chief minister nor key ministers from Prayagraj were present on the ground. "Orders are being issued from air-conditioned rooms, but no responsible official is seen controlling the situation. Even constables and sanitation workers, who are tirelessly performing their duties, are left hungry and thirsty," he added.

He further criticised the government, stating that residents of Prayagraj were burdened with filth, traffic congestion, and rising costs. "The BJP is now blaming devotees, questioning why they are coming despite the mismanagement," Yadav remarked.

Responding sharply, deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya accused the SP Chief of politicising the event. "Akhilesh Yadav ji, stop your baseless rant about the Mahakumbh! The government and BJP workers are tirelessly serving devotees with the resolve of 'seva hi sangathan.' Your politics revolves around demeaning faith and governance. Kumbh is the pride of Indian culture, and your remarks only reflect narrowmindedness," Maurya wrote on X.

Yadav had earlier demanded that toll charges be waived for vehicles heading to the Mahakumbh, citing the hardships faced by pilgrims.