Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 27: Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey has responded sharply to Congress leader Husain Dalwai’s remarks on the ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025. Dubey questioned Dalwai’s understanding of the festival, asking whether he had ever attended the event in person or had only seen it on television.
“Husain Dalwai is a senior Congress leader, and he should think before speaking. What does he know about Kumbh? Has he ever been to Kumbh, or has he just seen it on TV?” Dubey said.
Dubey extended an invitation to Dalwai to experience the Maha Kumbh firsthand, suggesting he take a holy dip at the Sangam. He emphasized that the festival is a celebration of Sanatana, which refers to the timeless and eternal principles of Hinduism.
Dubey also criticized Dalwai and other leaders from the INDIA Alliance, including those from the DMK, for consistently targeting Sanatana. He urged Dalwai to focus his criticism on the BJP instead of attacking religious traditions, expressing disappointment over the ongoing attacks. “We invite him to take a holy dip at Kumbh… When 35-40 crore people gather, there will naturally be some challenges in management. This is a festival of Sanatana, and I don’t understand why people from the INDIA Alliance, including DMK and leaders like Husain Dalwai, keep attacking it. It is sad. Dalwai should avoid such statements and instead criticize the BJP, not Sanatana,” Dubey said.
Dalwai had earlier voiced concerns about the arrangements for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, pointing out the need for better facilities and management to handle the massive influx of devotees. “Given the large number of people coming to the Mahakumbh, the arrangements should be improved. Devotees should be allowed to take a holy dip in the Ganga in batches,” Dalwai suggested, adding that issues such as inadequate lodging and health concerns needed urgent attention.
He also expressed concerns over public health, saying, “They should ensure that diseases do not spread. How can sins be washed away in such conditions?”
On Sunday, Dalwai criticized the government’s preparations for the Maha Kumbh, pointing out several flaws and calling for immediate corrective actions. Despite these criticisms, millions of devotees continue to gather at the festival, with over 4.664 million taking a holy dip at the Sangam Triveni Ghat in Prayagraj by 8 am on Monday. The total number of devotees who have taken a dip in the ongoing Mahakumbh has surpassed 130 million, with over one million Kalpwasis present at the Sangam.