Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 22: A special meeting of the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, commenced on Wednesday at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Deputy CM Keshav Prashad Maurya announced that several important decisions would be made during the meeting. “Many significant decisions will be taken today. Afterward, all cabinet members, including the CM, will take a holy dip at Sangam,” Maurya stated.
UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who is also attending the meeting, welcomed the saints and devotees attending the Maha Kumbh. “I extend a warm welcome to all the saints and seers who have gathered here for the Maha Kumbh. There will be a Cabinet meeting, followed by a holy dip,” Pathak said.
UP Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar added, “We will share details of the decisions after the meeting. Once the meeting concludes, all ministers will go together to take a dip in the Ganga.”
All 54 ministers of the Uttar Pradesh cabinet have been invited to the meeting, which is expected to approve several key proposals and initiatives for the state. Following the cabinet discussions, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his entire cabinet will take a ceremonial dip in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam.
This marks the second time CM Yogi has led his cabinet to the Sangam. In 2019, during the Kumbh Mela, he and his ministers took a ceremonial dip along with Akhada Parishad President Narendra Giri and other saints.
The Maha Kumbh, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, began on January 13 and will run until February 26. Key “snan” (bathing) dates still to come include: January 29 (Mauni Amavasya – Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami – Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
Security for the event has been ramped up with over 10,000 personnel from Uttar Pradesh police, local forces, and paramilitary units. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also stationed a “water ambulance” at the Sangam to ensure the safety of the devotees.