NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath slammed opposition leaders including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, RJD chief Lalu Yadav, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and others for their controversial remarks over ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
In the UP assembly, CM Yogi Adityanath emphasised the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh and condemned the spread of misinformation against Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, and India, “While we are participating in the discussion here, at that time more than 56.25 crore devotees have already taken their holy dip in Prayagraj.”
“When we make any baseless allegations or snow fake videos against Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, India or the Maha Kumbh, it is like playing with the faith of these 56 crore people,” he said taking aim at opposition leaders.
The UP chief minister further asserted that ‘Maha Kumbh belongs to society, not any political entity’. He dismissed claims that any specific group organises Maha Kumbh.
“This event is not organised by any particular party or organisation. This event is of the society, the government is there as a servant to complete its responsibilities, he added.
“It is our good fortune that our government got the opportunity to associate with the Maha Kumbh of this century. The country and the world have participated in this event and have taken it to new heights of success, ignoring all the false campaigns. Seven days of the Maha Kumbh are left, and as per the figures, more than 56 crore devotees have taken a holy dip till this afternoon. Our sympathies are with all those who were victims of the stampede on 29 January and those who lost their lives in road accidents while travelling for Kumbh. Our condolences are with the family members, the government stands with them, the government will help them in every possible way but how appropriate is it to politicise this?” he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee called Maha Kumbh a ‘Mrityu Kumbh’.
“Maha Kumbh has turned into ‘Mrityu Kumbh’. I respect Maha Kumbh, I respect the holy Ganga Maa. But there is no planning. For the rich, the VIP, there are systems available to get camps for as high as Rs 1 lakh. For the poor, there are no arrangements at Kumbh. Stampede situation is common in a ‘mela’ but it is important to make arrangements. What planning did you make?” said Mamata Banerjee, while attacking the chief minister Yogi Adityanath.