Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly rebuffed opposition criticism regarding the Maha Kumbh on Tuesday, highlighting the massive economic benefits generated by the 45-day religious congregation in Prayagraj. During a discussion on the 2025-26 state budget, which was subsequently passed in the Assembly, Adityanath dismissed the opposition’s allegations and underscored the event’s financial success and seamless execution.
Addressing the legislative assembly, the chief minister cited the remarkable earnings of a single boatman’s family as an example of the economic prosperity brought about by the religious festival. He revealed that one family, owning 130 boats, amassed an astonishing profit of Rs 30 crore over the 45 days. Breaking down these figures, Adityanath explained that each boat earned approximately Rs 23 lakh, equating to a daily revenue of Rs 50,000-52,000 per boat.
He took particular aim at the opposition, especially the Samajwadi Party, which had accused the government of exploiting boatmen during the event. Adityanath refuted these claims by presenting the story of the boatmen who, rather than facing hardship, witnessed unprecedented financial gains.
“The opposition’s countdown has begun because the people are no longer paying attention to their baseless allegations. They have been rejected by the public,” Adityanath remarked, signaling the political shift in public sentiment.
Highlighting the impeccable law-and-order situation during the grand event, Adityanath commended the flawless security measures that ensured a smooth and peaceful gathering. He proudly stated that more than 66 crore devotees and tourists visited Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, and remarkably, not a single incident of crime was reported throughout the entire duration of the festival.
“Not a single case of harassment, kidnapping, robbery, or murder was reported. Sixty-six crore people arrived, participated, and left happily. Those who couldn’t attend felt they missed out, while those who did were left in awe of the grand spectacle,” he said.
Beyond its religious and cultural significance, the Maha Kumbh served as a major economic catalyst. The chief minister elaborated on the financial impact, stating that the government had allocated Rs 7,500 crore for the successful execution of the festival. In return, the event generated an unprecedented Rs 3 lakh crore in business, benefitting numerous sectors across the economy.
Providing a detailed breakdown, Adityanath revealed the financial gains across various industries:
- The hotel industry saw a massive boost, earning Rs 40,000 crore.
- The food and daily essentials sector generated revenue amounting to Rs 33,000 crore.
- The transportation sector benefited immensely, witnessing business worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
- Religious offerings alone contributed Rs 20,000 crore.
- Donations received during the festival amounted to Rs 660 crore.
- Toll tax collections reached Rs 300 crore.
- An additional Rs 66,000 crore was generated in other revenue sources.
Emphasizing the broader economic impact, Adityanath claimed that the Maha Kumbh’s financial contributions would play a key role in pushing India’s GDP growth to 6.5 percent for the year.
Furthermore, he clarified that the Rs 7,500 crore expenditure on the Maha Kumbh was not solely for the event itself but was also invested in the long-term infrastructural development of Prayagraj. The funds were utilized to implement various projects aimed at modernizing the city and improving its facilities, ensuring that the benefits extended far beyond the festival’s duration.
“Through Maha Kumbh, we have created infrastructure that will benefit Prayagraj for decades to come. Over 200 roads were widened, and several key infrastructure projects were undertaken. These include the construction of 14 flyovers, nine underpasses, and 12 major corridors,” Adityanath informed the House.
He also spoke about the cultural preservation efforts undertaken as part of the Maha Kumbh projects. One significant initiative was the installation of a statue depicting Lord Ram embracing Nishad Raj in Shringverpur, an area that had previously suffered from encroachment issues.
“For you, this was merely a vote bank. For us, it is our cultural heritage that we must protect and promote,” he told the opposition.
Additionally, Adityanath pointed to the overwhelming global recognition of the Maha Kumbh, stating that it had received high praise from international media. He read out the names of several leading global media houses that had acknowledged and appreciated the grand scale and flawless execution of the event.
In conclusion, Adityanath asserted that the opposition’s attempts to criticize the Maha Kumbh were unfounded and driven by political motives rather than genuine concern for the people. He reaffirmed that the event not only reinforced Uttar Pradesh’s cultural identity but also delivered significant economic and infrastructural benefits, strengthening its position as a key contributor to the nation’s progress.
The chief minister’s speech left no room for doubt that the Maha Kumbh had been an extraordinary success, both in terms of spiritual enrichment and economic prosperity, with long-lasting positive impacts on the state and the country as a whole.