Lucknow, February 11: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spoke out on Tuesday, addressing efforts by some individuals to create confusion by associating the Maha Kumbh with VIP bathing. He emphasized that the event represents a gathering of harmony and faith, where devotees unite beyond barriers of caste, religion, language, and region.
During an event commemorating the 57th death anniversary of Deendayal Upadhyay, Adityanath questioned, “Who are these people spreading negativity? They are the same ones who have received VVIP treatment throughout their lives, seeking to secure similar advantages for their descendants. They stand against India and Sanatan Dharma by perpetuating false narratives.” The chief minister’s comments came following accusations from opposition leaders regarding alleged mismanagement and VIP culture, in light of a tragic stampede in Prayagraj that resulted in the deaths of at least 30 devotees on January 29.
Adityanath paid homage to Upadhyay, underscoring the significance of his philosophies, as noted by the Uttar Pradesh government.
In a remarkable 29 days, 45 crore devotees have bathed in the Sangam, a historic figure that outnumbers the populations of most countries, except for India and China. “What can be more significant than the arrival of 45 crore devotees to a temporary city for a holy dip?” he queried. “While some attempt to mislead the public by linking this to VIP bathing, in reality, the Maha Kumbh symbolizes a union of faith and harmony, as devotees come together free from discrimination related to caste, religion, language, and region.” Upadhyay was a founding member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which later evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and he championed the philosophy of Antyodaya and integral humanism, according to the statement.
Reflecting on Upadhyay’s ideals, Adityanath asserted that the welfare and upliftment of the marginalized was Upadhyay’s vision.
“Today, the BJP’s double-engine government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is realizing Upadhyay’s aspirations,” Adityanath remarked.
“Pandit Upadhyay believed that a nation’s progress should not be gauged by the affluence of its elite, but by the living conditions of its most disadvantaged citizens,” he added.
The chief minister criticized previous administrations for their grandiose promises to eliminate poverty, pointing out that such promises had only resulted in a rise in poverty levels. In contrast, he commended the Modi administration for empowering the poor over the past 11 years, highlighting initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Ayushman Bharat.
He also remarked that there are individuals who habitually find faults with new initiatives.
“When we provide housing to four crore individuals, they respond by saying many remain without homes. I want to clarify that an additional three crore houses have been approved. Those who once enjoyed VVIP privileges are now questioning the facilities available to the common people,” the chief minister stated. (Agencies)
