Synopsis
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has rebuked Akhilesh Yadav for criticizing the Yogi government's Cabinet meeting during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, where Cabinet members took a sacred dip. Maurya highlighted the significance of this event, while Yadav condemned it as politicization of the religious gathering.Key Takeaways
- Keshav Prasad Maurya criticized Akhilesh Yadav's remarks.
- The Cabinet meeting took place during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.
- Yogi government members took a sacred dip as part of their meeting.
- Akhilesh Yadav claimed the meeting was political.
- Security measures included over 10,000 personnel deployed.
Lucknow, Jan 24 (NationPress) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has criticized Akhilesh Yadav, the Chief of the Samajwadi Party, after he raised concerns regarding the Yogi government's Cabinet meeting held at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, which included a sacred dip at this significant religious event.
He stated that Yadav is unable to accept the fact that between 50 lakh to 1 crore individuals are taking a dip at the Mahakumbh daily.
In a media interaction, Deputy CM Maurya remarked, "Mahakumbh 2025 is progressing towards success in a magnificent and divine manner. The Cabinet members of the alliance government convened in the vicinity of the Maha Kumbh."
He emphasized that it was a remarkable moment for every Cabinet member of the Yogi government to take a sacred dip and make crucial decisions.
The Deputy CM further mentioned that Akhilesh Yadav cannot acknowledge the effective management and cleanliness at the Mahakumbh and is also upset about the 50 lakh to 1 crore people who are bathing there daily.
"If he believes that the cabinet members took a sacred dip and held a meeting there, he too is welcome to organize his party's meeting," he added.
Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Yogi government on Wednesday for conducting a Cabinet meeting at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, asserting, "Kumbh or Prayagraj is not an appropriate setting for political maneuvers or decisions."
"Kumbh or Prayagraj is not a venue for politics or political resolutions. Holding a Cabinet meeting at Kumbh is a political act. Many of us from the Samajwadi Party have visited to take a sacred dip but did not share pictures or inform the media," Yadav stated.
All 54 Ministers from the Uttar Pradesh cabinet were invited to this gathering.
After the meeting, CM Yogi Adityanath, along with the entire Cabinet, took a sacred dip in the holy waters of the Triveni Sangam.
This is not the first occasion CM Yogi Adityanath has led his cabinet to the Sangam.
In 2019, during the Kumbh Mela, he performed a ceremonial dip alongside his Ministers, Akhada Parishad President Narendra Giri, and other saints.
The Maha Kumbh is one of the largest and most significant religious gatherings globally.
The key 'snan' dates remaining are: January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
The Uttar Pradesh Police has deployed over 10,000 personnel, including local police and paramilitary forces, for security at the event.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has stationed a "water ambulance" at Sangam to ensure the safety of the devotees.
The Maha Kumbh commenced on January 13 and will continue until February 26.
