BHAGALPUR, FEBRUARY 24 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit back at the opposition for its criticism of the ongoing Maha Kumbh, calling it an attack on India’s faith and unity. Addressing a gathering in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district, he accused his political rivals of disrespecting the country’s spiritual traditions and questioned their motives behind targeting the grand event.
“The Maha Kumbh is the biggest festival of faith, unity, and harmony. Yet, some people who were annoyed with the Ram temple are now cursing the Kumbh. Bihar will never forgive those who abuse it,” PM Modi said.
His remarks come amid opposition allegations of mismanagement, accidents, and concerns over water quality at the religious gathering. Last week, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav had stirred controversy by calling the Maha Kumbh “meaningless” and blaming the BJP-led Centre for the deadly stampede at New Delhi railway station that killed 18 people. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticized the government’s handling of the event, offering to send Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath a Harvard University study on Kumbh Mela management.
PM Modi praised Bihar’s historical and cultural significance, describing it as a land of faith, heritage, and progress. “This is the land of Mandarachal, of Shaheed Tilka Majhi, and of Silk City. At such a sacred time, I have the privilege of sending another installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana to many farmers across the country,” he said.
He asserted that the NDA governments at the Centre and in Bihar are committed to preserving the country’s heritage and building a stronger future, while taking a dig at the opposition. “These people who believe in jungle raj hate our heritage and faith,” he remarked, in an apparent attack on the RJD.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath dismissed opposition claims about water contamination at the Triveni Sangam, calling them part of a “malicious propaganda.”
“The Sangam’s water is not just fit for bathing but also for drinking. Those spreading fake videos against Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, and the Maha Kumbh are playing with the faith of crores of devotees,” Adityanath said.
With the Maha Kumbh witnessing an unprecedented influx of devotees, logistical challenges, including crowd control and water quality concerns, have become major political flashpoints.
