Will 4 lakh Mahakumbh motorcycle riders who helped devotees in reaching destinations wait 144 years for jobs?’ Akhilesh Yadav questions UP govt
Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes UP Government Over Temporary Jobs During Maha Kumbh
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has launched a sharp critique against the Uttar Pradesh government, questioning the sustainability of the four lakh jobs that were created during the Maha Kumbh. He particularly took issue with the fact that many of these roles, primarily involving motorcycle riders assisting devotees, were temporary in nature.
Taking a dig at the government’s employment claims, Yadav sarcastically asked whether these youth would have to wait another 144 years—the full cycle for the Maha Kumbh—to find work again. “The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh claims that four lakh youth got employment as motorcycle riders during the Maha Kumbh. Does that mean they will get work again only when the next full-cycle Maha Kumbh takes place?” Yadav quipped.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Missing Persons
Speaking to the media in Mahoba, the former chief minister raised concerns over the aftermath of the grand religious gathering, alleging that hundreds of people who attended the event remain unaccounted for. He claimed that despite the conclusion of the Maha Kumbh, missing persons’ posters continue to be seen across Prayagraj, including on police station walls, outside hospitals, and in other public places.
“The government data itself suggests that around 900 people are still missing,” Yadav stated, casting doubt on the state administration’s handling of the event.
Predicting BJP’s Political Downfall
Yadav also took the opportunity to predict a major setback for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, asserting that the party would suffer its “worst defeat ever.” He linked this potential downfall to the BJP’s inability to come to terms with their performance in the previous Lok Sabha elections.
Further, Yadav spoke about the PDA alliance, an electoral strategy that brings together Pichhda (Backward Castes), Dalit, and Alpsankhyak (Minorities). He accused the BJP of attempting to use the “80:20” formula—often interpreted as a strategy to polarize Hindu and Muslim voters—to weaken the unity of the PDA coalition.
Maha Kumbh: A Grand Event Amidst Controversies
The Maha Kumbh, recognized as one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, saw an enormous influx of devotees, creating significant logistical and security challenges for the administration. While the Uttar Pradesh government has celebrated the event as a major success, opposition leaders like Yadav continue to highlight concerns over governance failures, employment issues, and mismanagement surrounding the event.
His statements reflect a broader debate over temporary employment schemes and the government’s approach to long-term job creation in the state.
