They target Sanatan dharma but secretly take dips at Mahakumbh! CM Yogi slams opposition

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday, February 19, strongly criticized opposition leaders for their controversial statements regarding the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. He accused them of deliberately spreading misinformation to tarnish the image of this grand religious event.

Addressing the Uttar Pradesh Assembly during a discussion on the Governor’s address, Yogi Adityanath emphasized that the Maha Kumbh is not a government event but a gathering organized by society itself. “Maha Kumbh is not conducted by the government, it's a social and religious event. While we are ensuring its successful execution, the opposition is engaged in spreading lies,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister further added, “When false narratives or misleading videos about Maha Kumbh are circulated, it deeply hurts the faith of millions.”

Sharp criticism of opposition leaders

CM Yogi took direct aim at several opposition leaders, including West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, for their remarks on the Maha Kumbh. He accused them of targeting Sanatan Dharma and religious traditions.

“Lalu Yadav called Maha Kumbh ‘useless,’ yet he himself participates in the event. Akhilesh Yadav, who earlier criticized the Maha Kumbh, took a dip in the Triveni Sangam. What hypocrisy!” Yogi remarked. He also condemned Mamata Banerjee’s statement, in which she referred to the Maha Kumbh as ‘Mrityu Kumbh’ (Death Kumbh), a term that Akhilesh Yadav reportedly supported.

Refuting allegations on water quality

Opposition leaders have raised concerns regarding the quality of water at the Maha Kumbh, a claim Yogi Adityanath strongly dismissed. He assured that the water quality is closely monitored and remains safe for devotees.

“Water of Maha Kumbh is completely safe and clean. The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board is continuously overseeing its quality. Many eminent personalities from across the nation and the world have taken a holy dip, which is a matter of satisfaction, not appeasement,” he stated.

Yogi pays tribute to stampede victims

CM Yogi also addressed the unfortunate stampede incident at the Maha Kumbh, which led to multiple casualties. Expressing his condolences, he assured that the government stands with the bereaved families.

“We are fully aware of our responsibilities. Our heartfelt sympathies are with the families of the devotees who lost their lives in the stampede on January 29, as well as those who died in road accidents. The government is committed to providing all possible assistance to them,” Yogi said.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, continues to be at the center of political discourse, with Yogi Adityanath defending its sanctity against opposition attacks.