Varanasi: A case has been registered against Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari at the Shadiabad police station following his remarks on the ongoing Mahakumbh in Varanasi. His statements, which were primarily directed at the government’s mismanagement of the massive religious gathering, have sparked controversy, with critics misinterpreting them as an attack on religious sentiments.
Ansari, while addressing the chaotic conditions at Mahakumbh, said:
“It is believed that when people bathe on the banks of the Ganges, their sins are washed away, opening their way to heaven. But the current mismanagement makes it seem like no one will be left in hell—everyone will go to heaven!”
His remarks were not intended to offend devotees but to highlight the government’s failure in crowd management. He pointed out the severe disorder in trains carrying pilgrims, stating:
“The situation has reached such a point that people are breaking train windows, and women inside are trembling with fear.”
He further alleged that the lack of proper crowd control had resulted in stampede-like situations, adding:
“Those returning are mentioning scenes of death, and according to them, countless lives have been lost.”
Following his statements, Dev Prakash Singh, former president of the District Cooperative Bank, lodged a complaint, accusing him of inciting unrest. Singh claimed:
“Such statements are unacceptable, especially during a sacred event like Mahakumbh. They not only hurt religious sentiments but also spread unnecessary fear.”
However, Ansari’s supporters argue that his remarks were a criticism of the administration’s failure rather than an attack on the faith of devotees. Many have defended his right to question the government on public safety issues, especially after reports of overcrowding, train vandalism, and stampedes emerged.
The Mahakumbh 2025 has drawn millions of devotees to Varanasi, making it one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. While it is a celebration of faith, concerns over infrastructure and safety have been raised, with many questioning whether the government was adequately prepared to handle the crowds. Officials have assured that measures are in place to manage the situation, but critics argue that ground realities tell a different story.
