Dainik Bhaskar has been accused of biased reporting and exaggerating the mismanagement of the Maha Kumbh Mela. The newspaper allegedly focused on incidents like stampedes, accidents, and administrative failures while downplaying the spiritual significance of the event.
According to a report published in Bhaskar on February 23, 67% of Maha Kumbh visitors were allegedly scammed. However, the official website of the source cited by Bhaskar (Local Circles) did not publicly release such statistics.
This report is based on ten major pieces of alleged propaganda disseminated by Dainik Bhaskar over time. Key Reports and Propaganda Allegations
1. February 20, 2025
Claim: Water samples from the Maha Kumbh site contained excessive fecal coliform bacteria, making it unfit for religious activities.
Propaganda Allegation: A professor from Allahabad University, Umesh Kumar Singh pointed out discrepancies in Bhaskar’s data, suggesting that the water was safe for religious use. Similarly, scientist Dr. Avnish Kumar Sonkar, who was previously involved in scientific discussions with missile scientist Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, conducted an experiment in his laboratory and found that the water of the Ganges is not only suitable for bathing, but is completely pure.
2. February 23, 2025
Claim: Due to Maha Kumbh, people in nearby cities were experiencing extreme congestion, with traffic blocks at key intersections.
Propaganda Allegation: The newspaper linked the cancellation of 10th and 12th board exams on February 24 solely to Maha Kumbh, whereas official statements attributed it to administrative reasons.
3. February 25, 2025
Claim: Over 100 road accidents in 43 days resulted in 150 deaths and 385 injuries due to driver fatigue and reckless driving.
Propaganda Allegation: Bhaskar allegedly held private transport operators accountable, even for accidents unrelated to Kumbh activities.
4. February 19, 2025
Claim: Sanitation workers at Maha Kumbh were underpaid and overworked, and were made to work for over 17 hours.
Propaganda Allegation: Reports selectively highlighted extreme cases, ignoring that most sanitation workers reported receiving fair wages and adequate working conditions, as per the interviews conducted by Aaj Tak, News Nation, and Brut Media.
5. January 29, 2025
Claim: Due to overcrowding, hospitals, roads, and religious sites were overwhelmed, and public sanitation was inadequate.
Propaganda Allegation: Bhaskar ignored government efforts to provide free public toilets and additional sanitation measures, including 700 extra cleaners, 23 mobile toilet facilities, and free toilet facilities arranged at various public spots and schools.
6. February 25, 2025
Claim: Pipeline water being supplied at the Maha Kumbh site was unsafe for consumption.
Propaganda Allegation: Bhaskar allegedly tried to create panic, while an ABP News report confirmed the water’s pH level was above 7, making it safe for drinking and bathing.
7. January 30, 2025
Claim: A stampede-like situation occurred on January 28-29 at key locations, leading to 59 deaths.
Propaganda Allegation: The figures recorded by the Uttar Pradesh government recorded only 30 deaths and 60 injuries, but Bhaskar allegedly inflated numbers to create fear among pilgrims.
8. February 23, 2025
Claim: Water ATMs at Maha Kumbh were empty, and water was being sold at inflated prices—₹30 for a ₹20 bottle and ₹20 for a ₹5 water pouch.
Propaganda Allegation: Bhaskar ignored the fact that water ATMs were functional and operational, with many offering free withdrawals.
The controversy highlights the debate over responsible journalism versus sensationalism in covering large-scale religious gatherings like Maha Kumbh.
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