Why Mulayam Yadav's statue at Maha Kumbh has sparked row
What's the story
A section of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj saw political tension this week after a statue of late Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav was installed.
The statue was unveiled on January 13 at the Sector 16 campsite by Mata Prasad Pandey, Leader of the Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, who called it a tribute to "Netaji" and his influence.
Statue relocation
Yadav's statue to be relocated after Maha Kumbh Mela
Pandey clarified that the statue was installed symbolically to honor Yadav's memory and would later be shifted to the Samajwadi Party office after the Maha Kumbh Mela.
However, this clarification did not quell the disapproval from members of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad.
Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri argued that placing such a statue at an event as sacred as the Kumbh Mela was an insult to their beliefs.
Criticism voiced
Religious leaders criticize Yadav's statue installation
Accusing Yadav of being "anti-Hindu" and "anti-Sanatan," Puri said that the statue reminds religious leaders of incidents in which members of their group were "killed" under Yadav's leadership.
"We have no objection to Mulayam's statue. He was our chief minister, and no one can deny his political significance. But what message are they trying to convey by installing this statue?" Puri questioned.
Leader
'He has always been perceived as anti-Hindu, anti-Sanatan'
Juna Akhara's Mahamandaleshwar Yati Narsinghanand backed Puri's comments.
Both officials voiced worry that displaying the statue at a sacred occasion such as the Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu religious gathering, was an affront to their faith.
"Everyone knows about his contribution or lack thereof to the Ram temple movement. He has always been perceived as anti-Hindu, anti-Sanatan, and favouring Muslims," Puri added.
Legacy and significance
Yadav's political legacy and Maha Kumbh Mela significance
Yadav, who died in October 2022, was a prominent face in UP politics.
In a political career spanning five decades as both an MLA and MP, he represented constituencies such as Mainpuri and Azamgarh. He was also a three-time CM and former defence minister.
The Maha Kumbh Mela commenced on Monday with around 1.5 crore devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam. The event is anticipated to attract over 40 crore visitors over its 45-day period.