Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday questioned whether taking a dip in the Ganga could eradicate poverty, criticizing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for vying to be seen on camera while bathing at the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking at the 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' rally in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, Kharge remarked that BJP leaders "kept taking dips until it looked good on camera." However, he clarified that he was not questioning anyone's faith.
"Don't fall into the trap of false promises of (Narendra) Modi. Is poverty ended by taking a dip in the Ganga? Does it fill your stomach? I don't want to question anyone's 'aastha (faith)'. If anyone feels bad, I apologise," PTI quoted Kharge as saying.
"But tell me, when a child is dying of hunger, is not going to school, labourers are not getting their dues, at such a time, these people are spending thousands of rupees and competing for taking dips (in the Ganga)," the Congress chief added.
“They keep taking dips till it appears good on the camera," he said.
"Such people cannot benefit the country. Our faith is in God -- people perform 'puja' at home every day, all women move out of their homes after performing 'puja', there is no issue. But we have an issue with the poor being exploited in the name of religion," Kharge said.
His comments followed just hours after Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh.
BJP responds to Kharge's comments
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra condemned Kharge's comments, labeling them an assault on Sanatan Dharma. "He questioned if taking a dip in the Ganga would remove poverty, provide jobs, or bring happiness to the people. I challenge Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to make such remarks about any other religion's faith. Can they question if people get jobs or if poverty is alleviated by going to an Iftaar party? They cannot even imagine toying with the faith of any other religion. Such remarks are shameful. How can the Congress have such anti-Sanatan mindset?" Patra said.
"Mahakumbh has been the symbol of the Sanatana faith for ages. I am pained to say that while the entire world reveres this faith, the biggest opposition party in India is ridiculing the Mahakumbh and this faith. They are making a mockery of it," he told the media.
Amit Malviya also joined the conversation, accusing the Congress of holding a deep-rooted hostility towards Hindus.
"Kharge ji is speaking, but the words are of the Gandhi family. Why does the Congress hate Hindus so much? The Maha Kumbh comes once in 144 years, but Congress leaders are so agitated that they curse Hindus. First, Hussain Dalvi mocked the Kumbh, and now Kharge has opened a front. Congress has become the new Muslim League, and its extinction is in the nation's interest," Malviya said.
Congress leaders never hurts the sentiments of other religion
Every year, between 2 to 3 million Muslims embark on the sacred journey of Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca, which is a deeply significant event for their faith. Similarly, Christians also travel to various countries for their own religious pilgrimages, marking important milestones in their spiritual lives. Despite this, Congress leaders have never raised any objections or made insensitive remarks regarding the Hajj pilgrimage, nor have they ever sought to hurt the sentiments of followers of any other religion. In fact, it is often the Congress leaders who are seen requesting support from the BJP, particularly for the welfare of minority communities.
Maha Kumbh Expected to Generate Revenue of Up to Rs 2 Lakh Crore
The Maha Kumbh 2025 is expected to contribute up to Rs 2 lakh crore to Uttar Pradesh’s economy. Estimates suggest that if each of the 40 crore visitors spends an average of Rs 5,000, the event could generate this substantial economic impact.
According to industry projections reported by IANS, the average spending per person might rise to Rs 10,000, bringing the total economic effect to as much as Rs 4 lakh crore. This is also anticipated to boost both nominal and real GDP by over 1 percent.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted that the Ardh Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj in 2019 contributed Rs 1.2 lakh crore to the state's economy, with about 24 crore pilgrims attending.
Mr. Adityanath, a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), referred to the Maha Kumbh as the world’s largest temporary city, capable of accommodating between 50 lakh to one crore devotees at any given time.
As per the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the food and beverage sector, which includes packaged foods, water, biscuits, juices, and meals, is projected to contribute Rs 20,000 crore to the total trade.
Religious items and offerings such as oil, lamps, Ganga water, idols, incense sticks, and religious books are expected to add another Rs 20,000 crore to the economy.
Transportation and logistics, covering local and interstate services, freight, and taxis, are likely to contribute Rs 10,000 crore, while tourism services like tour guides, travel packages, and related activities are projected to generate another Rs 10,000 crore.
Temporary medical camps, Ayurvedic products, and medicines could bring in Rs 3,000 crore. Meanwhile, sectors like e-ticketing, digital payments, Wi-Fi services, and mobile charging stations are expected to see trade worth Rs 1,000 crore. Lastly, entertainment and media, including advertising and promotional activities, are anticipated to generate Rs 10,000 crore in business, according to the CAIT.
Source: Hindustan Times, NDTV
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