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Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav emphasised that the Maha Kumbh held once every 12 years, is a sacred event linked to the faith of the people, and is no space for negative or divisive politics in such a spiritual gathering.
Speaking to reporters after taking a holy dip at Maha Kumbh during his visit to Prayagraj on Sunday, Yadav said, "People come here with their faith. I took 11 holy dips. There is no place for divisive and negative politics... The day I took a dip at Haridwar - that day was a festival. Today, I got the opportunity to take a holy dip here..." He expressed dissatisfaction over the arrangements made by the administration for the elderly coming to the festival. "The people in govt shouldn't make this event a sports event... I have seen that older people who are coming from various places - there should have been the kind of management that nobody has to face any difficulty...", Yadav added. This comes days after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath slammed Akhilesh Yadav for "criticising" Maha Kumbh. "Today Samajwadis are more concerned about property... When the whole country and the world were praising Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh, then the former CM of UP (Akhilesh Yadav) was criticising Maha Kumbh every day and playing with the faith of the people of India," Yogi had said. Responding to his visit, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stated that proper arrangements are in place. "Everyone is welcome (at the Mahakumbh). There are very good arrangements, everyone is welcome," he said. The Maha Kumbh, which commenced on January 13, will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). According to tradition, pilgrims flock to the Sangam--the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati (now extinct) rivers--to take the holy dip, which is believed to absolve sins and grant moksha (liberation). Rooted in Sanatan Dharma, the event signifies a celestial alignment that creates an auspicious period for spiritual cleansing and devotion. The Maha Kumbh Mela is expected to host over 45 crore visitors, marking a historic occasion for India. (ANI)
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