Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 5 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath slammed the opposition for spreading 'negative propaganda' about the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, stating that despite their efforts to spread misinformation, they were unable to shake people's faith.

Speaking at the UP Legislative Assembly, CM Yogi said, 'The negative propaganda and misinformation that was spread had no impact on the faith of the people of the country. Your attempts to spread negativity were unsuccessful. You (opposition) tried to strategically spread negativity, but neither the people of Uttar Pradesh nor the country believed your words. Soon, the public will stop listening to you.'

The UP CM further stated that the mass religious congregation demonstrated the state's capability to organize such a grand event.

Targeting the opposition, CM Yogi said, 'Mahakumbh has demonstrated the state's capability to organize such a grand event, showcasing not only the state's strength to the country but also India's potential to the world. The negative propaganda and misinformation spread by you had no impact on the people's faith across the nation.'

'You continuously relied on spreading negativity, which became your primary tool. Despite your efforts to strategically create this narrative, neither the people of Uttar Pradesh nor the country believed in your false claims. No one in the country trusted your words,' he added.

The Chief Minister emphasized that organizing the Mahakumbh was part of a broader plan for the sustainable development of Prayagraj, allowing the UP government to significantly improve the city's infrastructure. He highlighted the overwhelming participation of devotees, stating that buses filled with people from every village across the state made their way to Prayagraj.

In his address, he linked the organization of the Mahakumbh to the long-term development of Prayagraj, calling it part of a plan to enhance the city's infrastructure. 'What we are doing in Sambhal is also driven by faith. The Mahakumbh helped us build better infrastructure in Prayagraj, a city rich in tradition and history,' he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also launched a scathing attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing it of straying from the ideals of its founder, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. Addressing the state assembly, CM Yogi criticized the party for forgetting Lohia's principles and for undermining the faith of the nation.

CM Yogi alleged that the current leadership of the Samajwadi Party had completely disregarded Lohia's conduct, values, and principles. 'Today's Samajwadi Party may take the name of Dr. Lohia, but it has lost its way. The party has forgotten the conduct and ideals that Dr. Lohia upheld,' he said.

'Dr. Lohia had emphasized that these figures are the foundation of India's unity, but the Samajwadi Party does not believe in this,' Adityanath remarked, accusing the party of playing with the faith of the people,' he added.

Referring to the SP's allegations of the BJP being a communal party, Adityanath rejected the criticism. 'You say the BJP's thinking is communal. How can you claim that when we believe in "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas" (Together with all, trust of all)?' he said, adding that the BJP's vision is rooted in inclusivity and unity, not division.

CM Yogi highlighted the BJP's ideal of 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Nirmaya,' which translates to 'May all be happy, may all be free from illness,' as a guiding principle of governance. He pointed to the successful organization of the Mahakumbh, which concluded on February 26, as a prime example of this inclusive vision.

'Whoever attended this event of progress and heritage, they left with a sense of overwhelming pride and unity,' he concluded, reinforcing the message of national unity and inclusiveness.

The Uttar Pradesh CM praised the successful organization of the recently concluded Prayagraj Mahakumbh, which saw more than 66 crore people from across India and the world participate in the 45-day religious gathering.

In his address, Adityanath highlighted that despite the massive turnout, the event was marked by safety and order, with no incidents of harassment, theft, abduction, or violence. 'The Mahakumbh saw an overwhelming number of visitors, and of the 66 crore attendees, half of them were women. Yet, not a single incident of harassment or crime occurred,' he said, underlining the exceptional organization and security measures in place during the festival.

He also expressed pride in the international recognition that the Mahakumbh received, citing reports from major global media outlets. 'More people attended the Mahakumbh than the entire population of the United States, as reported by The Wall Street Journal,' he said. He also noted that the BBC called it 'the largest gathering of humanity,' while The Express Tribune described it as 'the world's largest religious gathering.'

CM Yogi said that The New York Times mentioned that the Mahakumbh wasn't just attended by devotees but also by politicians and celebrities, while The Guardian referred to it as 'the festival of festivals,' filled with joy and enthusiasm. CNN, reporting on the event, noted that over 60 crore devotees participated, calling it a 'magnificent display of faith.'

CM Yogi also highlighted the role of technology in the event, with reports calling it a 'digital Kumbh,' where advanced technological facilities were provided to enhance the experience of the pilgrims.

'This Mahakumbh left an indelible mark, not just on India, but on the world, as a remarkable example of faith, security, and development,' he concluded.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he dedicated the 'successful accomplishment' of the 'Mahakumbh of unity' to the feet of Shri Somnath Bhagwan. He stated this in a post on X after offering prayers at Shri Somnath Jyotirlinga Mandir in Gujarat on Sunday.

'The Mahakumbh of unity in Prayagraj was completed with the efforts of crores of countrymen. As a servant, I had resolved in my heart that after the Mahakumbh, I will worship Shri Somnath, the first Jyotirlinga out of the twelve Jyotirlingas,' the Prime Minister said.

'Today, with the blessings of Somnath Dada, that resolution has been fulfilled. On behalf of all the countrymen, I dedicate the successful accomplishment of the Mahakumbh of unity to the feet of Shri Somnath Bhagwan. During this, I also prayed for the health and prosperity of every countryman,' he added.  

(ANI)