Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 22 (HBTV): A special cabinet meeting of the Uttar Pradesh government, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, commenced on Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya indicated that significant decisions would be taken during the meeting.

'Many important decisions will be taken in the cabinet meeting today. All cabinet members, along with the Chief Minister, will also take a holy dip at Sangam,' Maurya said.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak welcomed saints and devotees attending the Maha Kumbh and noted the spiritual significance of the event. 'I welcome all the saints and seers who have come here to attend the Maha Kumbh. There will be a cabinet meeting here, and all members will take a holy dip,' he stated.

UP Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar mentioned that the details of the cabinet meeting would be shared afterward. 'We will be briefed only after the cabinet meeting. Afterwards, all the ministers will go together to take a dip in the Ganga,' he added.

All 54 ministers of the Uttar Pradesh cabinet have been invited to the meeting, which is expected to approve several critical proposals and initiatives for the state.

Following the meeting, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the entire cabinet will take the ceremonial holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. This is not the first time the Chief Minister has led his cabinet to the Sangam. In 2019, during the Kumbh Mela, he performed a similar ritual alongside his ministers, Akhada Parishad President Narendra Giri, and other saints.

The Maha Kumbh is one of the largest and most significant religious congregations in the world. Key snan (bathing) dates remaining are January 29 (Mauni Amavasya – Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami – Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

For the event’s security, the Uttar Pradesh police have deployed over 10,000 personnel, including local police and paramilitary forces. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has stationed a "water ambulance" at Sangam to ensure the safety of devotees.

The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 and will continue until February 26.

(ANI)