Assam CM Criticizes Kharge's Remarks on Maha Kumbh, Labeling Them Troubling for Sanatan Dharma

Synopsis
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma sharply criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for his comments on Maha Kumbh, deeming them indicative of a concerning attitude toward Sanatan Dharma. He urged Hindu leaders to prioritize their faith over political ambitions.
Key Takeaways
- Assam CM Sarma criticizes Kharge's remarks on Maha Kumbh.
- The comments are seen as a threat to Sanatan Dharma.
- Sarma urges Hindu leaders to stand firm in their beliefs.
- Kharge questions the effectiveness of religious rituals against poverty.
- BJP leaders' actions have faced scrutiny from Congress.
Guwahati, Jan 28 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday launched a fierce criticism of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge regarding his comments on Maha Kumbh, asserting that they demonstrate a seriously concerning attitude towards Sanatan Dharma. CM Sarma posted on his X account, “The remarks made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge regarding the Mahakumbh are unprecedented and reveal a deeply unsettling mindset against Sanatan Dharma. I believe this stance represents the official view of the Congress party under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership.”
Sarma also questioned Sonia Gandhi’s participation in the Kumbh in 2001 and urged Kharge to clarify his position on the Hajj pilgrimage.
He stated, “Let me ask him: back in 2001, Sonia Gandhi herself immersed in the Kumbh. Will he dare to assert that attending Hajj will not solve issues like hunger and poverty?”
The Assam CM called upon Hindu leaders to take a clear position on this issue.
In his post on X, he asserted, “It’s time for all Hindu leaders affiliated with Congress to contemplate and take a position. Do not sacrifice your faith, your dharma, or the rich cultural heritage of this nation for mere political gain. No leader, ideology, or political party should be prioritized above your religion and beliefs. Sanatan Dharma has endured for millennia; do not let its core be compromised for political advantage. Let your conscience lead you.”
To recap, while criticizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leaders for their participation in the Maha Kumbh Mela, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge questioned whether bathing in the Ganga would eradicate poverty or provide sustenance to the hungry, alleging that BJP leaders were visiting Prayagraj “only for publicity.”
Kharge made these comments during the 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' rally in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, the birthplace of Dr B.R. Ambedkar. However, he soon retracted his comments, stating: “I don’t wish to challenge anyone’s faith. If anyone is offended, I apologize. But tell me, when a child is starving, not attending school, and laborers are not receiving their dues, how can these individuals justify spending thousands on dips?”
Kharge's statements followed Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Prayagraj on Monday, where he took a dip at Sangam.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also visited Prayagraj the previous week.
Further criticizing the ruling BJP, Kharge remarked that while religion is a matter of faith, “these individuals (BJP leaders) have commercialized it.”
“People perform 'puja' at home daily, but we must address the exploitation of the poor in the name of religion,” Kharge added. His comments have drawn significant backlash from the BJP.
BJP MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed that Congress's animosity is an assault on the faith of millions of Hindus.