Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh have disputed the government’s claim that boatman Pintu Mahara earned Rs 30 crore during the Maha Kumbh event. The Yogi Adityanath government defended its position, stating that boatmen greatly benefited from the event, which hosted over 1.5 crore devotees. With over 4,500 boats operating, about 13,000 boatmen reportedly earned Rs 8-9 lakh each. Personal testimonies highlight how some boatmen improved their livelihoods through these earnings. Opposition leaders are calling for an investigation into the claimed wealth, questioning its legitimacy and the taxation involved. The event attracted an estimated 65 crore devotees.
As opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh contest the state government’s assertion that a boatman named Pintu Mahara made Rs 30 crore during the Maha Kumbh, the Yogi Adityanath administration on Thursday reinforced its position, asserting that boatmen benefitted significantly from the 45-day religious event.
In a press release, the Uttar Pradesh government emphasized the considerable economic benefits the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj provided to those at the lower end of the social spectrum.
“Over 1.5 crore devotees took a holy dip at the Triveni using boats,” the statement quoted Pappu Lal Nishad, president of the Prayagraj Navik Sangh.
The release mentioned that more than 4,500 boats were operational around the clock throughout the Maha Kumbh, with a minimum of three boatmen needed for each vessel. Consequently, over 13,000 boatmen reportedly earned Rs 8-9 lakh each. Inspired by these profits, many are now eager to start new businesses, it stated.
One of the boatmen, Sanjeet Kumar Nishad, recounted his difficulties in financing his two daughters’ weddings, but noted that he realized his aspiration thanks to the profits from the Kumbh.
Likewise, Balwant Nishad, who had spent 30 years without a proper home, now intends to build a house and buy a new boat with his earnings from the Maha Kumbh, as mentioned in the statement.
The statement also commended the Yogi Adityanath government’s initiative to provide skill training to service providers during the Kumbh.
More than 1,000 boatmen received training in various areas, including disaster management and digital payments, which has advanced financial autonomy in the area, according to the statement.
Earlier on Thursday, opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh questioned the state government’s claim regarding boatman Pintu Mahara and his fleet of 130 boats allegedly earning Rs 30 crore during the 45-day Maha Kumbh.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav remarked in a post on X, “This news warrants an investigation. If a family truly earned Rs 30 crore during the Maha Kumbh alone, let us know how much GST was collected. ‘Paatal Khoji’ should investigate first before glorifying.” Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai similarly questioned how a single family could accumulate such vast wealth from transporting devotees over the 45-day period.
“The pertinent questions are whether GST and other taxes were paid on the income disclosed by the chief minister in the Assembly. Moreover, if the income numbers are accurate, doesn’t that indicate that devotees were overcharged since such profit could not possibly arise from government prescribed rates,” Rai stated to PTI.
Conducted from January 13 to February 26, the Maha Kumbh drew an estimated 65 crore devotees, as per the state government.
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