On Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a fierce critique of the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, accusing them of disseminating misinformation about Sanatan Dharma. He targeted Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav for their alleged disparaging remarks in Parliament regarding the Mahakumbh, claiming that they are misleading the public.Addressing the media, CM Yogi remarked, “While both the nation and the world celebrate the grandeur of Sanatan Dharma, those who are hired to tarnish its reputation are fabricating new falsehoods daily in relation to the Mahakumbh.”

He described the comments made by Kharge and Yadav as “shameful and unacceptable.” Concerning Kharge’s remarks on fatalities during Mauni Amavasya, the Chief Minister termed them misleading and unfortunate, emphasizing that leaders of India’s oldest political party should exercise responsibility in their public statements. He accused both of them of trying to outdo each other in making anti-Sanatan comments.

The CM refuted claims that no statistics were shared about the Mauni Amavasya incident, asserting that he and his administration had publicly communicated all relevant figures. While acknowledging the tragedy of the event, he reiterated that it affected everyone deeply. He praised the prompt actions taken by the administration, police, NDRF, SDRF, and Civil Defence to ensure the swift transfer of the injured to hospitals.

CM Yogi highlighted the presence of millions of devotees in Prayagraj that day, suggesting that anti-Sanatan factions and opposition parties were wishing for a calamity. “Despite the government’s rigorous measures to ensure a ‘zero-incident’ event, the unfortunate occurrence took place. However, the administration acted promptly, delivering immediate medical care,” he stated.

He reassured that all injured individuals received adequate treatment, with some recovering at Prayagraj Medical College and others returning home. Together with his ministers and senior officials, he personally met with the affected individuals.

He pointed out that those hospitalized confirmed there were no shortcomings in the arrangements. Moreover, a judicial commission was promptly established to investigate the incident thoroughly. The government’s primary focus, he said, was to facilitate the safe return of approximately 80-90 million devotees.

The chief minister dismissed the opposition’s assertions that numerous devotees missed their opportunity for a holy dip and that the Amrit and Shahi Snan did not occur, labeling these claims as deceptive and part of a scheme to discredit Sanatan Dharma. He clarified that no traditions were interrupted—Mauni Amavasya Snan commenced at 7:30 PM the evening prior and continued until late the following day.

Following the incident, Akhadas had momentarily postponed their Snan after discussions with the Mela Authority but later reaffirmed participation in traditional ceremonies by all saints, acharyas, and mahamandaleshwars. CM Yogi confirmed that all Amrit Snans—including Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami—were carried out as per custom.

In a critical remark aimed at SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav regarding his comments on the government’s 100 crore announcement, CM Yogi encouraged him to accurately read official communications. “These are individuals who awaken at noon and merely read notes prepared by their staff. They are not leaders but mere readers, ridiculing themselves in the process,” he added.

Emphasizing the expansive scale of the Mahakumbh, he reiterated his prior statements predicting participation from 40-45 crore devotees. Within just 22 days, 38 crore devotees had already converged, with many more expected in the days ahead.

The CM noted that the Amrit Snan for Basant Panchami was conducted yesterday and indicated that events like Magh Purnima will take place on January 12 and Mahashivaratri on February 26. He mentioned that devotees from across India and the globe are eager to attend, including the King of Bhutan, who joined the celebration.

CM Yogi cautioned that certain groups are being compensated to undermine Sanatan Dharma and are engaged in conspiratorial activities, but he vowed that their endeavors would be thwarted. “We will investigate the incident of January 29 and bring the conspirators to light,” he declared.