Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 29 : Samajwadi Party chief and leader Akhilesh Yadav expressed concerns over the lack of preparedness by the BJP-led state government ahead of the Mahakumbh-2025 in Prayagraj and said that his party workers are ready to help.
Addressing a press conference, regarding the Kumbh Mela, Yadav acknowledged the religious and cultural significance of the event but raised concerns over the arrangements.
"Kumbh should end with fervour. And if the Government wants any help, our party members are ready to help. But the arrangements we have seen, we have noticed that some work is pending. How are they going to complete all that in just 13 days?" he questioned. Yadav emphasized the opposition's role in ensuring that all the necessary preparations are completed on time.
He also voiced strong opinions on several pressing issues in Uttar Pradesh, including the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and concerns about the state of farmers.
On issues affecting farmers, Yadav turned his attention to the agricultural sector, particularly rice and sugarcane. "The rice season has started, what is the rate of sugarcane? Has the government increased the price of sugarcane? Is the rate doubling according to the inflation?" he asked, challenging the government's handling of farmer welfare.
On the issue of the scrutiny of EVMs, Yadav referred to the case in Germany, where ballot voting was reinstated after a lengthy debate in the country's Supreme Court. "EVMs are not accepted in countries like Germany. After a long debate in their Supreme Court, EVMs were removed, and voting is now done using ballot papers," he stated, suggesting a rethinking of electronic voting methods in India.
Additionally, Yadav revisited a long-standing demand, stating, "Even when there was a Congress government, I had demanded that four-lane roads should be built from Allahabad to Prayagraj. And you must know that we have read in the newspaper from time to time that this Ganga Express will start before Kumbh. Tell me, where is it?"
In the same conference, Yadav took a dig at the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh for extending invitations to the top leaders of the country for the Mahakumbh 2025, stating that millions of people attend the Kumbh Mela not due to invitations, but out of faith.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the national capital to extend an invitation for the Mahakumbh 2025.