Yogi Adityanath- A Religious Convergence

Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, was at his ebullient best at the India Today Conclave after the 2025 Mahakumbh in Prayagraj went well. He spoke extensively about a number of topics, including the massive event and the criticism surrounding it. He described how the holy dip had acted as the great leveller, erasing distinctions like those between castes or the rich and the poor, and called the large gathering a monument to discipline and unity. Because everyone was taking a bath in the same sangam, the Mahakumbh put an end to the discrimination that the so-called seculars claimed existed in the Sanatan tradition. Everyone could see the message of unity that the Kumbh conveyed.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• 450 millions people were expected for the Mahakumbh, but some 660 mn took the holy dip instead, says UP govt
• For the first time, people from the South and even the Northeast actively participated in the Mahakumbh.
• Religious tourism has taken off in UP. The govt has created five ‘spiritual corridors’ for the benefit of devotees.
• Heritage and development have to go hand in hand. If you don’t consider India’s traditions ideal, it’ll be a barrier to development.
• Sambhal is a reality, the mosque was built over a temple. The 10th incarnation of Vishnu will appear here.

The chief minister went into detail about the meticulous planning that went into the Mahakumbh, emphasising how his administration had allocated 400–450 million devotees for space but ultimately saw far more. He emphasised how the government’s prompt action and foresight had saved thousands more lives during the tragic stampede on Mauni Amavasya, which claimed many lives. An additional 40 million pilgrims were anticipated during the day, and the amrit snan of the akharas was scheduled to begin at 4 a.m. Transporting the injured to the hospital via the green corridors was our first duty. That was accomplished in fifteen minutes. Additionally, we wanted to make sure that there was no panic. Taking care of survivors and offering support is the first rule of crisis management.

Yogi delivered on his promise of high polemic on contentious issues. “If someone considers Aurangzeb their idol, he must be suffering from a mental disorder,” said Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi in response to Aurangzeb’s praise. Aurangzeb was responsible for the destruction of the Sri Krishna temple in Mathura, the imposition of the jaziya tax on Hindus, and the destruction of the Kashi Vishwanath temple. He played with Indian faith. Those who make such claims are treated the best in Uttar Pradesh. Regarding the Sambhal Juma Masjid issue once more, the chief minister asserted that the Puranas mention the location. Islam did not exist at the time, but according to our Puranic texts, Sambhal will be the site of Lord Vishnu’s (Kalki) tenth incarnation.These are pilgrimage sites that were looted and demolished. The ASI is currently conducting a survey in accordance with court orders,” he stated.

On issues like Holi festivities and, of course, the 2027 UP assembly election, which Yogi presented as a fight between the 80 percent and the 20 percent, the take-no-prisoners stance persisted. The predictions are in: the saffron team will win again.