Considering the fact that crores of Hindus assembled in Prayagraj and took holy dips at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, the state’s Hindu icon Yogi Adityanath decided to take a plunge.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a cabinet meeting at the Maha Kumbh 2025 on Wednesday. All of the 52 ministers participated in the cabinet meeting at the Triveni Sankul in Arail.
Cabinet Meeting At Maha Kumbh 2025
After traveling from the Arail VIP Ghat to the Sangam by motorboats, the ministers, led by Yogi Adityanath reached at the Sangam, performed the worship rituals and took the holy dip in the holy river.
It is the second time that the UP Chief Minister took the holy dip at the Sangam. Earlier in 2019, Yogi Adityanath took a ceremonial dip in the Ganges along with his ministers, Akhada Parishad President Narendra Giri, and other saints.
Besides, the UP Chief Minister also announced many important decisions taken a the cabinet meeting.
Yogi Adityanath Announces Projects At Kumbh
While talking to journalists about the cabinet meeting and the decisions taken, Adityanath informed them about the plans for the development of aerospace technology, defense projects, infrastructure projects and other important issues.
He expressed hopes that massive investments would be made after the government came out with incentives under the revised policy.
He also announced the opening of three medical colleges in the Hthras, Baghpat, and Kasgunj districts under the Private Public Partnership.
Hindu Festivals For Govt Administration?
However, using a Hindu festival for making government decisions and holding the meeting of a secular cabinet at the congregation of Hindus may be considered against the letter and spirit of secularism.
Analysts believe as crores of Hindus will assemble at the confluence of three holy rivers, any government progamme may be considered as an attempt by it to appease the majority section of the people at government expenses and under its official programme.
Also Read: Maha Kumbh 2025: VHP Gears Up For Aggressive Push On Places of Worship Act, ‘Freeing Up Of Temples’
It can be understood by the announcements made by the Chief Minister. He declared that a growth cooridor connecting Prayagraj and Chitrakoot would be made.
He also announced that the Ganga Expressway will connect Prayagraj to Bhadohi, Varanasi, Chandauli and Ghazipur. These announcement made a a religious festival bear especial significance.
Akhilesh Yadav Slams Yogi Adityanath
Opposition leader and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed Yogi Adityanath for using the religious festival and the Ganges river for political gains.
Criticising him, he said that Kumbh is not a place where political or administrative decisions should be taken.
Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak hit back at Akhilesh Yadav. He said that the leader of the Oppostion is against Sanatan and keeps on speaking against the religion. Warning him that opposing Hinduism may harm him, he wished the Ganges gave him good thoughts.
Political Use Of Hindu Symbols?
It is not the sole or the first incident in which the BJP and Yogi Adityanath have allegedly used the Maha Kumbh for political gains. Earlier, the UP CM convened a meeting of the “nishads”, the waterman community and unveiled a statue of their god along with lord Ram at the beginning of Maha Kumbh 2025.
The UP government also decided to organise the festival at a massive level and allocated Rs 6,990 crore for holding the festival. The state government also announced 549 infrastructure projects directly related to the preparation of the Maha Kumbh 2025.
