Opposition leaders, however, termed the mass marriage function as a gimmick to gain political mileage ahead of the assembly elections in the state.

"The whole drama is aimed at using Amitabh Bachchan's popularity to serve the political objectives of Samajwadi Party," Bharatiya Janata Party leader Lalji tandon told IANS.

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Salman Khurshid said: "Would Amar Singh let the people know how many times in the past he had organised similar weddings for the poor? Why was it that the idea struck him only now when elections are round the corner?"