'Akhilesh had no time for Kumbh, made a non-Sanatani in-charge': Yogi Adityanath slams Akhilesh Yadav over Maha Kumbh remarks

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav over his remarks on the Maha Kumbh, questioning the SP’s handling of the event in 2013. Addressing the state assembly, Adityanath accused the previous SP government of neglecting the Kumbh arrangements and appointing a "non-Sanatani" leader, Azam Khan, as its in-charge.

Referring to Yadav’s recent comments about alleged mismanagement of the Maha Kumbh, Adityanath said, "What you (opposition) said regarding Maha Kumbh, a person from a particular caste was stopped from entering Maha Kumbh, we had told that those who go with goodwill, they can go but if somebody goes with malicious intent, they would be in trouble...We did not play with the religious sentiments of people, unlike Samajwadi party, their CM did not have the time to monitor Kumbh and see its arrangements and therefore, he made, a non-sanatani, in charge of Kumbh," he said.

Yadav, on Sunday, had criticized the BJP government over its economic policies and the ongoing Kumbh event in Prayagraj, alleging issues related to food, safety, and crowd management. He also accused the BJP of failing to deliver on its promises of doubling incomes and generating jobs.

Hitting back, Adityanath recalled the 2013 Kumbh under SP’s rule, alleging widespread corruption and pollution. He claimed that the waters of the Triveni Sangam (the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati) were unfit for bathing, citing reports that the then Prime Minister of Mauritius had refused to take a dip.

In contrast, Adityanath highlighted the scale of this year's Kumbh, which he called a “global event.” He noted the participation of President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the King of Bhutan, and diplomats from 74 countries. “For the first time, people from all regions—North, South, East, and West—have come together for this event. Isn't this a global event?” he asked.

Adityanath also praised the live coverage of the Amrit Snan by media channels, emphasizing that foreign tourists were “amazed” by the grandeur of the event, reported Times of India. “Sanatan Dharma followers were happy, and for the first time, such an event has taken place at this scale. There is no other gathering in the world where so many devotees assemble in one place, upholding traditions and rituals in their own way,” he added.