The statue of former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav installed at a camp in Maha Kumbh mela has sparked a row with many seers objecting to it.
The statue, around two–three feet tall, was inaugurated on Saturday at the camp in Sector 16, was set up by the Mulayam Singh Yadav Smriti Seva Sansthan, Leader of Opposition in Uttar Pradesh Assembly Mata Prasad Pandey said.
Pandey said that the statue of “Netaji” was inaugurated by him on Saturday. “He was our leader, and the camp was organised to spread his thoughts and ideas. Pilgrims and other people are welcomed to go to the camp, have food, and stay there. A small statue of Mulayam Singh Yadav has been installed in a symbolic manner,” Pandey told reporters.
A large hoarding greets visitors at the camp's entrance, depicting Mulayam Singh Yadav taking a holy dip and worshipping the Ganga. The camp's walls are adorned with artistic depictions of the SP stalwart created by students from the fine arts department of Allahabad University. Pandey said the idol will be restored to the party office after the Maha Kumbh.
When asked if SP chief Akhilesh Yadav will visit the Maha Kumbh Mela, he said, “I have not spoken to him in this regard.”
The move drew criticism from the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad. Its president Mahant Ravindra Puri said that Mulayam Singh Yadav had always been “anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan”. According to Puri, Mulayam Singh’s statue has been installed to show seers that he “killed” people from the community.
“We have no objection to Mulayam Singh’s statue. He has been our chief minister. But what message do they (SP people) want to give by installing the statue currently. Everyone knows what his contribution has been in the Ram temple movement. He has always been anti-Hindu, anti-Sanatan and in favour of Muslims,” Puri said.
Juna Akhara’s Mahamandaleshwar Yati Narsinghanand supported Puri's statement on this issue and said that it is appropriate for the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad to condemn the move.
SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav served as defence minister and as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh thrice. He was elected an MLA 10 times and an MP, mostly from Mainpuri and Azamgarh, seven times. He died on October 10, 2022.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
