India
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Congress and other opposition parties, accusing them of clinging to claims of “exclusive ownership” over the country’s legacy. Speaking at the Hindustan Divya Mahakumbh 2025 conclave in Lucknow, Adityanath emphasized the transformative work undertaken by his government, particularly in Ayodhya and Kashi, and dismissed criticisms as stemming from “decades of failure” by previous regimes.
“They are troubled by how Kashi Vishwanath Dham was transformed. They are troubled by how Ram Mandir was built and how Ayodhya became so divine and grand,” he remarked. Without naming any specific leaders or parties, Adityanath accused the opposition of hypocrisy, alleging that their criticism reflected a frustration over their inability to deliver similar progress during their tenure.
Referring to Jawaharlal Nehru’s book Discovery of India, Adityanath quipped, “Some people wander around with a self-proclaimed contract of representing India and treat Discovery of India as if it were the oldest book of this country.”
The UP Chief Minister also highlighted the significance of the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, noting how it resolved a decades-long conflict. He condemned individuals who continue to challenge the verdict, even threatening the judges who delivered it.
Adityanath further criticized opposition parties for their recent no-confidence motion against Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. “These are the same people who preach about the Constitution but resort to suppressing voices in Parliament,” he stated.
On the preparations for the upcoming Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025, Adityanath revealed ambitious plans to manage an unprecedented influx of devotees. While 40 crore (400 million) people are expected over the 45-day event from January 13 to February 26, arrangements are being made to accommodate up to 100 crore (one billion) devotees. “For the main Muhurta on Mauni Amavasya, an estimated six crore (60 million) devotees will take a holy dip, but preparations are being done to cater to 10 crore (100 million) devotees,” he added.
Adityanath’s remarks underline the BJP’s ongoing efforts to consolidate its narrative around cultural rejuvenation and infrastructural development while simultaneously countering the opposition’s critiques ahead of key elections.
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