Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hit back at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday, February 19, for her stampede-related remarks about the Maha Kumbh. Referring to the deaths in last month's stampede, Banerjee referred to the holy event as 'Mrityu Kumbh'.
Defending the Maha Kumbh, CM Yogi cited that 56 crore devotees took a 'holy dip' in the sangam and accused Banerjee of making baseless allegations that undermine their faith.
During his address in the UP Assembly, he said, "While we are participating in the discussion here, at that time more than 56.25 crore devotees have already taken their holy dip in Prayagraj. When we make any baseless allegations or snow fake videos against Sanatan Dharma, Maa Ganga, India or the Maha Kumbh. It's like playing with the faith of these 56 crore people. This event is not organised by any particular party or organisation. This event is of the society, the government is there as a servant to complete its responsibilities."
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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday, February 17, released a report which stated high levels of faecal and total coliform were detected at multiple Maha Kumbh locations, amid allegations of untreated sewage being released into the Ganga and Yamuna in Prayagraj.
A Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report revealed that water quality tests on January 12-13 found the water unfit for bathing or drinking.
CM Yogi dismissed reports, asserting that the Sangam's water is "fit for drinking." He emphasized that crores of devotees have taken holy dips in Prayagraj during the event.
"While we are participating in the discussion here, more than 56.25 crore devotees have already taken their holy dip in Prayagraj. When we make baseless allegations or spread fake videos against Sanatana Dharma, Maa Ganga, India, or the Maha Kumbh, it is like playing with the faith of these 56 crore people," he said.
