Lucknow, February 24, 2025: Uttar Pradesh has received a hostile and matching reply from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding the continuing Maha Kumbh Mela, using graphic symbolism to emphasize the diverse experiences at that fair ground. Recently, in an assembly session, Yogi said: “Vultures got only dead bodies. Pigs got dirt,” meaning that people had different interpretations of the festival according to their character.
Adityanath Defends Maha Kumbh Arrangements
In the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Adityanath said that the UP government had arrangements to welcome the millions of pilgrims visiting the Maha Kumbh in perfect order. He said at the Assembly that, while the detractors spoke of negative aspects, the attendees mostly commended the arrangements. “Sensitive people have got a beautiful picture of relationships.
People with faith got satisfaction. Gentlemen received gentlemanly treatment; the disadvantaged got jobs; the affluent got business. The devotees have clean arrangements… The devotees received God,” he elaborated.
Critique of His Predecessors
Drawing a parallel between earlier gatherings, Adityanath took a dig at the Kumbh Mela in 2013 managed by the Samajwadi Party (SP) government under then Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. He claimed that a “non-Sanatani” (non-Hindu) was put in charge of the mela, leading to a bane of mismanagement and lack of propriety.
This was an oblique reference to Mohammad Azam Khan, an old SP leader who oversaw the 2013 event. Adityanath said: “We have not played with faith like you. During your time, the Chief Minister did not have time to see and supervise the function and, thus, a non-Sanatani was made the in-charge of Kumbh.”
Unity and Sanatan Dharma
The Chief Minister emphasized the Maha Kumbh as a symbol of unity and principles of Sanatan Dharma. He stated that the sight of people from diverse backgrounds bathing together at the same ghats sends a powerful message of harmony to the world. “All the people are bathing at one ghat. How can this be a bigger message of unity? This is a true Sanatan Dharma too,” remarked Adityanath.
Breaking All Previous Records
Against all odds, the Maha Kumbh 2025 has created an unprecedented crowd puller this year. Reports state that since the official religious festival began, around 62 crore (620 million) devotees have taken the holy dip at the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. This great turnout is a testament to the spiritual aura of the event along with the prowess shown by the state in managing or handling such an enormous gathering.
Responding to the Incidents of Loss of Life
While many problems have emerged for the festival, the fatal stampede in late January would lead to the over 30 deaths and endless other injuries. Adityanath highlighted their faith and enthusiasm of the pilgrims that was evidently undeterred by this mishap.
“Despite the unfortunate incident during the Maha Kumbh, the faith and enthusiasm of the pilgrims prevailed. Enduring a volley of hardships, they have reached Prayagraj, took a bath there in the Holy Sangam, and returned with joy,” he acknowledged. Even before this calamity, the administration had already taken maximal precautions to ensure the same incident never occurs again.
Political Repercussions and the Future Trajectories
The pointed remarks by the Chief Minister intensified the political discourse akin to the Maha Kumbh. The opposition coalition, especially the Samajwadi Party, has raised many questions about the ruling alliance politicizing the religious event, though Adityanath and his followers argue on the preservation and promotion of culture and spiritual heritage of the nation.
