‘Maha Kumbh was an occasion of devotion’: Former CM Basavaraj Bommai

NEW DELHI: Former Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday stated that the Maha Kumbh, which concluded in Prayagraj last month, was an “occasion” of devotion where people from every village in India participated.

Bommai also slammed Rahul Gandhi over his ‘complaint’ that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his speech in Lok Sabha, did not pay homage to those who lost their lives in the Maha Kumbh stampede. Bommai accused the Congress MP of ‘diluting’ the statement made by PM Modi.

“The Maha Kumbh that took place in Prayagraj was an occasion of devotion, where people from every village in India came. More than 60 crore people participated. The UP government made very good arrangements,” the former Karnataka CM said.

“He (Rahul Gandhi) wanted to dilute the statement of the Prime Minister, which is unfair,” he added.

“I want to support what PM (Modi) said. Kumbh is our history and culture. Our only complaint is that the PM did not give Shraddhanjali to those who lost their lives in the Kumbh. The youth who went to the Maha Kumbh also wanted one more thing from the PM, which is employment. He should have spoken about that too,” Gandhi had told reporters after Prime Minister Modi commended the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in the Lok Sabha.

The Mahakumbh 2025 concluded on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri on February 26, in which more than 66 crore 21 lakh devotees had the opportunity of bathing in the holy Triveni waters.

Earlier, PM Modi attributed Maha Kumbh’s success to the dedication of the public, administration, and devotees across the country and highlighting the collective efforts that contributed to the grand event.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi expressed deep gratitude towards the people of Uttar Pradesh, especially Prayagraj for their efforts in hosting the Maha Kumbh, a symbol of India’s growing national consciousness.

“I am here to make a statement on the Maha Kumbh held in Prayagraj. I want to thank the public and administration for the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh. The success of the Maha Kumbh is the result of the efforts of various people. I want to thank everyone: the country’s devotees, the public of UP, especially the people of Prayagraj. We all know that strenuous efforts took place to bring Ganga to earth; similar efforts have been taken to hold the grand Mahakumbh,” said PM Modi.

“The whole world has witnessed the great glory of Bharat through the Maha Kumbh. This is because of the contribution of the country’s people. This Maha Kumbh was inspired by the faith of the people, for the determination of the people. In this Maha Kumbh, we saw the greatness of the awakening of our national consciousness,” he said.

In a pointed remark aimed at the opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the success of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj had silenced the doubts and fears raised by certain critics regarding India’s capabilities.

He emphasized that the event was not just a spiritual gathering but a powerful demonstration of the nation’s potential and resolve.

The Prime Minister recalled the historic Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Samaroh held just a year prior, reflecting on how it had symbolised India’s readiness to step into the future with confidence.

“We felt the nation’s preparations for the next 1,000 years during the Ram Mandir ceremony, and today, just one year later, the organisation of the Maha Kumbh reinforces that same vision,” he said.

PM Modi also elaborated that the Maha Kumbh was an example of India’s collective consciousness, one that reflected the country’s strength and capabilities.

“In the life of any nation, there are events that become part of its history, transcending time and becoming an example for the generations to come. The Maha Kumbh is one such event for India,” he stated, underscoring the significance of such national milestones in strengthening the collective spirit of the country.

“The grandeur of the Maha Kumbh is a reflection of the awakening of our national consciousness, and it stands as a powerful reply to those who doubt our capabilities,” said PM Modi. (ANI)