Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the Kumbh Mela as an "eternal tradition" that has been celebrated for thousands of years. Speaking at a spiritual fair in Ahmedabad, he said the Mela, which draws millions of people from India and abroad, has never been interrupted- be it during the Mughal era, British rule, or Congress governance.
"The Kumbh Mela is a melting pot and a message of unity," Shah said. "No one asks your caste or religion there. Everyone is welcomed, fed by religious organizations, and purifies themselves by taking a dip in the Ganga. There’s no greater message of togetherness anywhere in the world."
Shah emphasized that despite its massive scale, the Kumbh is largely organized by religious leaders and volunteers, with minimal government involvement. Comparing the government's contribution to the help of a squirrel during the Ram Setu construction, he highlighted the self-sustaining spirit of the event. "The arrangements for crores of people have been happening for centuries without fail," he added.
He also mentioned how ambassadors from other countries are amazed by the event. "They asked me who invites these 40 crore people, and I explained that the Kumbh Mela doesn't need invitations, it's based on planetary alignment," Shah said with pride.
Shah used the occasion to speak about the BJP's achievements, claiming the party has fulfilled long-pending promises and completed major ideological milestones in the last decade. He listed accomplishments like the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the construction of the Ayodhya temple, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, and the end of triple talaq.
Taking a jab at previous governments, Shah said, "There was a time when saying 'I am a Hindu' felt awkward. Now, India stands proudly before the world."
The Congress, however, wasn’t impressed. Spokesperson Dr. Manish Doshi accused BJP leaders of making such statements to divert attention from issues like unemployment and inflation. "They are using religion as a tool for votes instead of addressing real problems," he said.
Shah also encouraged people to visit the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, saying he plans to visit on January 27 for the 10th time.
Earlier in the day, Shah inaugurated various infrastructure projects in Ahmedabad, including railway underpasses, rainwater-harvesting wells, and a vegetable market.
