On the participation of Muslims in the Maha Kumbh 2025, Adityanath clarified that anyone who respects India and its cultural values is welcome to attend. However, he stated that any malicious activities during the event would face strict action.
New Delhi: In response to Waqf boards’ land claim, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during an event hosted by news channel Aaj Tak, issued a stern warning stating those coming to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh with the intention of claiming the land would face “denting-painting”, indicating punitive action. The warning comes days after a Muslim cleric claimed that the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj was being held on Waqf land.
On the participation of Muslims in the Maha Kumbh, Adityanath clarified that anyone who respects India and its cultural values is welcome to attend. However, he stated that any malicious activities during the event would face strict action.
“Anyone who respects Indian traditions is welcome. Many people had ancestors who converted to Islam under pressure in the past, yet they still take pride in Indian traditions. If such people, following traditions, come to take a dip in the Ganga, there is no problem. But if someone comes with the intention of claiming the land, they might face denting-painting,” the BJP leader said.
However, he emphasized that there would be no “discrimination of any kind,” highlighting that the Maha Kumbh, a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage, is a massive event that takes place every 12 years where millions of devotees come together. “The Kumbh has been a symbol of India’s heritage for thousands of years and has always taken place here. It is not the Waqf Board but a board of land mafias,” he stated.
Adityanath said the state government would recover all land acquired under Waqf claims. He also mentioned that legal amendments had been introduced to investigate land acquired under the Waqf claims. “The Kumbh has been a symbol of India’s heritage for thousands of years and has always taken place here. It is not the Waqf Board but a board of land mafias,” he said. “Wherever the word ‘waqf’ appears, it will be investigated to determine the original registration of the land, and efforts will be made to return it to its rightful owners,” he added.
This strong remark comes from CM Yogi when a parliamentary panel discusses proposed amendments to the Waqf Bill, introduced by the centre last year, which aims to streamline the registration of Waqf properties.
