Mahakumbh Nagar: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday clarified that Muslims who believe in India’s Sanatan tradition are welcome to participate in the 2025 Prayagraj Mahakumbh.
“Any Muslim who acknowledges the Sanatan tradition and feels their identity is associated with Indian culture is welcome here. However, arrangements have also been made to deal with those coming with a wrong mindset,” he said.
About The CM's Statement
The Chief Minister’s statement came during his twoday visit to Prayagraj to review preparations for the Mahakumbh, the largest religious congregation in the world. His remarks sought to address a growing controversy fuelled by demands from saints of the Akhara Parishad to bar Muslims from entering the Kumbh area.
Elaborating further, Yogi said, “Muslims who feel their ancestors adopted Islam under pressure but still see themselves as Sanatani, who connect their gotra with Indian sages, are free to come and take a dip at the Sangam in the traditional way. Such people are an integral part of our culture and heritage.”
Debate Sparked By The Akhara Parishad
The Akhara Parishad had earlier sparked a debate by demanding restrictions on Muslim participation in the Kumbh Mela. Their statements drew criticism from Muslim clerics, who argued that the event’s spiritual inclusivity should not be compromised. Yogi’s comments appear aimed at striking a balance, endorsing inclusivity for those who respect the Sanatan ethos while emphasizing security measures against potential disruptions.
CM Yogi Adityanath Pointed Warning To The Waqf Board
In a pointed warning to the Waqf board, Yogi asserted that any attempts to claim land linked to the Maha Kumbh would be met with "denting-painting," signaling punitive measures. His comment, delivered at an AajTak event, followed claims by a Adityanath launched a sharp critique of the Waqf board, labeling it a "board of land mafias" rather than a religious institution.
He pledged that the state government would reclaim any land previously taken under the guise of Waqf, vowing to investigate all such properties. "Wherever the term 'waqf' appears, investigations will be conducted to determine the rightful owners," he affirmed. Adityanath also said no controversial structure should be referred to as "a mosque", asserting that tenets of Islam are "against constructing a mosque-like structure" at disputed sites.
