Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj as a powerful symbol of "sabka prayaas" — everyone’s collective effort — and a reflection of a "rising India" that showcased the country’s unity and cultural grandeur to the world. Addressing the Lok Sabha amid loud protests from the opposition, PM Modi acknowledged the tireless efforts of countless “karm yogis” from both the government and society who contributed to the smooth execution of the massive event. He highlighted how over 66 crore people from across the country and around the globe participated in the 45-day spiritual gathering, taking a sacred dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. He recalled his own participation, mentioning his visit to the Triveni Sangam on February 5, where he performed rituals and offered prayers to Goddess Ganga, describing it as a deeply humbling and spiritual experience.
The Prime Minister emphasized that in an increasingly fragmented world grappling with conflicts — particularly in the Middle East and Europe — India’s demonstration of unity, faith, and cultural vibrancy serves as a powerful message of hope and resilience. He said the event was not merely a religious congregation but a testament to India’s ancient heritage coexisting with its modern aspirations. He stressed that "unity in diversity" remains the cornerstone of India's national identity, and the Maha Kumbh embodied this ethos on an unprecedented scale. He expressed pride that the younger generation is actively embracing such traditions, blending spirituality with a sense of national pride and responsibility. Modi described the gathering as a source of national awakening, asserting that it delivered a strong, unwavering message to those who question or underestimate India's resilience, spiritual depth, and social cohesion.
However, the event wasn’t without controversy. A tragic stampede on January 29, during the auspicious Mauni Amavasya snan (holy dip), resulted in 30 deaths according to official government reports — though the opposition has claimed the actual toll was higher, alleging a cover-up. The Congress, along with other opposition parties, also seized on findings from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which reported dangerously high levels of 'faecal coliform' bacteria in the river waters at the Kumbh site, accusing the BJP-led Yogi Adityanath government of severe mismanagement, negligence, and prioritizing optics over public safety. The opposition argued that while the visuals of the grand event portrayed a flawless spectacle, the reality on the ground exposed the failure to ensure basic hygiene, crowd control, and infrastructure readiness.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi didn’t hold back his criticism, stating that while PM Modi spoke passionately about the success of the Maha Kumbh, he failed to acknowledge the human cost. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Gandhi said the Prime Minister should have first offered condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the stampede before celebrating the event’s grandeur. He also called out the government for ignoring the aspirations of India’s youth. "The youth that went to the Kumbh need more than symbolic gestures — they need jobs. The prime minister should speak on employment, not just festivities. Faith alone doesn’t fill hungry stomachs," Gandhi remarked, reiterating his party’s call for more concrete steps to address unemployment and economic distress.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi joined the criticism, alleging that the ruling BJP and its allies were using large-scale events like the Kumbh to divert public attention from pressing issues like inflation, farmer distress, and a struggling economy. "They talk about unity and strength, but the reality is people are suffering. The Kumbh was an opportunity for the government to show real leadership by ensuring safety and dignity for all pilgrims — instead, they focused on PR," she said.
Meanwhile, the BJP hit back, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah accusing the opposition of politicizing a sacred event that brought millions together in faith and harmony. He defended the state government’s handling of the situation, acknowledging the unfortunate stampede but insisting that authorities acted swiftly to manage the crisis. Shah credited the Yogi Adityanath administration for ensuring that despite the unprecedented scale of the gathering, law and order were largely maintained, and the majority of pilgrims returned home safely.
The contrasting narratives — Modi’s portrayal of a grand, united India and the opposition’s focus on human costs, governance lapses, and economic distress — reflect the deepening political divide in the country. For the ruling party, the Maha Kumbh symbolizes India’s spiritual strength and cultural resurgence. For the opposition, it represents a government more focused on spectacle than substance, leaving ordinary people to bear the brunt of systemic failures.
As the political battle intensifies, the Maha Kumbh remains a powerful metaphor — for faith, unity, resilience, and, inevitably, for the competing visions of what India should aspire to be.
