New Delhi [India], February 21: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat strongly countered Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav’s criticism of the ongoing Maha Kumbh, asserting that the opposition consistently makes “irresponsible remarks” about events that bring pride to India.
Speaking to ANI, Shekhawat highlighted the global importance of the Kumbh, noting that over 60 crore people have participated by taking a holy dip in the sacred waters. He pointed out, “In the last 10 years, any event that has been organised in which India can take pride, the Opposition has made irresponsible comments on it.”
Regarding concerns raised by Yadav over the quality of water at the Triveni Sangam, Shekhawat dismissed the accusations, emphasizing the difference in global standards for bathing, river, drinking, and potable water. He further criticized Akhilesh Yadav for allegedly lacking an understanding of these standards, pointing to the Kumbh’s significant role in attracting people from all over the world.
Akhilesh Yadav, on the other hand, had questioned the water quality at the Triveni Sangam after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dismissed concerns over faecal contamination. Referring to a report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Yadav posted on his social media platform, alleging a cover-up of the pollution issue. The CPCB report highlighted that the water quality did not meet bathing criteria at several locations during monitoring conducted on January 12-13, 2025. Yadav accused the state government of attempting to suppress the news, implying that the media had been controlled to prevent the spread of reports regarding “polluted water.”
This clash of opinions underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the environmental concerns raised about the Maha Kumbh, which has attracted millions of devotees from across the world.