In an apparent critique of Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, without directly naming him, remarked on Tuesday that those once notorious for their politics of appeasement are now participating in religious practices, such as taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Adityanath, however, cautioned against expecting individuals who have historically disrespected India’s faith to genuinely honor Sanatan Dharma.
Speaking at the Mahakumbh Samagam, an event organized by Times Now-Navbharat, Adityanath expressed his observations on the shifting behavior of political opponents. “I am pleased that those who once disregarded India’s spiritual traditions and were known for their appeasement politics are now eager to seek virtue (‘puny) by taking a dip at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati,” the chief minister stated.
This comment came after Akhilesh Yadav recently visited the Sangam, where he took a dip and garlanded the statue of his late father and SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, installed near the holy site. Yadav had also advised Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to attend the Kumbh with “sahanshilta” (patience).
Responding to questions on whether opposition leaders’ participation in the Maha Kumbh marked a victory for Sanatan Dharma, Adityanath clarified, “This is not about victory or defeat. Sanatan Dharma is eternal; its influence and presence have always been profound, transcending political ideologies. The growing participation of people from diverse beliefs and backgrounds is a testament to its enduring power.”
He reiterated, however, that it would be “a mistake” to assume those who have historically dismissed India’s faith traditions would now genuinely respect Sanatan Dharma. “Those who did not believe in Sanatan and indulged in appeasement politics were compelled to not only take a dip but also to install statues of their stalwarts at the Sangam, acknowledging its significance. Faith is such that if it is ignored, it will, in turn, ignore countless individuals over time,” Adityanath added.
Adityanath’s remarks were seen as a direct jab at the installation of Mulayam Singh Yadav’s statue at the Sangam by SP workers, which Akhilesh Yadav ceremoniously garlanded after performing his rituals.
The chief minister also spoke passionately about the Maha Kumbh, calling it a “wonderful moment” in his life and crediting its success to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “It is a matter of great fortune that we had the opportunity to organize such an unparalleled event. The Maha Kumbh is not just a reflection of India’s faith but a grand showcase of our cultural pride on the global stage,” Adityanath stated.
Highlighting the massive scale of the event, he revealed that over the past 15 days, more than 16 crore devotees have participated in the Maha Kumbh by taking a holy dip at the Sangam. “By the conclusion of the Kumbh on February 26, which coincides with Mahashivratri, the number of participants is expected to exceed the population of the third-largest country in the world,” he said.
Adityanath envisioned this Maha Kumbh as a transformative event, symbolizing a blend of faith and modernity. “When this Maha Kumbh concludes, it will mark the emergence of a new Uttar Pradesh, where spiritual beliefs and developmental aspirations coexist in harmony,” he remarked.
The chief minister also expressed his gratitude to the people of Prayagraj and Uttar Pradesh for their role in making the event a resounding success. He praised their efforts in presenting the state’s productivity, culture, and unity on such a vast platform.
Concluding his address, Adityanath shared his optimism that this Maha Kumbh would leave an indelible mark on Uttar Pradesh’s cultural and spiritual identity. “This event is not merely a confluence of rivers but also a confluence of faith, tradition, and progress. It demonstrates that India’s spiritual heritage is alive and thriving, while simultaneously embracing modernity.”
Through his statements, Adityanath emphasized the unparalleled significance of the Maha Kumbh as a cultural and spiritual milestone for Uttar Pradesh and the nation, even as he indirectly criticized political opponents for their shifting stances on faith and religious practices.