Prayagraj: In a rally held in Milkipur, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath introduced a new slogan that emphasizes the unity and integrity of the country. The slogan, “Ayodhya aur Mahakumbh ka ek hi sandesh, Ekta se akhand rahega ye desh,” translates to “Both Ayodhya and Mahakumbh have one message, unity will ensure the integrity of our country.” This message comes as the state prepares for the upcoming bypolls in Milkipur scheduled for February 5.
Adityanath’s new slogan is timely, given the recent criticism from the opposition. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had mocked the state government for holding a cabinet meeting at the Maha Kumbh site in Prayagraj, questioning the appropriateness of such a venue for political decisions. Yadav stated, “Kumbh or Prayagraj is not the place where politics or political decisions should be taken. Organising cabinet meetings at Kumbh is political.”
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla countered Yadav’s criticism, highlighting the dual standards of the Samajwadi Party. “We saw a Cabinet meeting was held at Mahakumbh and many big decisions were taken. But those who organize ‘naach-gana’ in Saifai ask why a Cabinet meeting was held at Mahakumbh. This is their dual character,” Poonawalla said.
During the cabinet meeting chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath at the Mahakumbh, significant schemes for the state were approved. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak mentioned that discussions were also held regarding the Ardha Kumbh scheduled for 2031, including plans for bridges, roads, hospitals, and other development works in Prayagraj.
UP Congress president Ajay Rai also weighed in, alleging corruption in the budget allocated for the Maha Kumbh. Rai promised to reveal the facts and figures after the event, citing recent incidents of fire on the mela campus as evidence of the government’s mismanagement. He criticized the state government for turning the Maha Kumbh into a “cabinet drama” at the sacred confluence of faith and spirituality.
