Kharge Criticizes BJP Leaders’ Maha Kumbh Visits; Apologizes After Backlash

On Monday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders for taking dips in the Sangam at the Maha Kumbh Mela, questioning whether such religious rituals would alleviate poverty or feed the hungry. Kharge suggested that BJP leaders were visiting Prayagraj merely for the cameras, dismissing the sincerity of their actions.

Kharge made these remarks while addressing the ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ rally in Mhow, the birthplace of Dr. BR Ambedkar in Madhya Pradesh. However, following significant backlash, he quickly apologized for his comments, emphasizing that he did not intend to question anyone’s faith.

Kharge’s Apology After Controversial Remarks

Kharge clarified, “I don’t want to question anyone’s faith. If anyone feels bad, I apologize. But tell me, when a child is dying of hunger, is not going to school, and laborers are not getting their dues, at such a time, these people are spending thousands of rupees and competing for taking dips.”

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Kharge’s criticism came after Home Minister Amit Shah visited Prayagraj on Monday and took a dip in the Sangam. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had also visited the city last week, participating in the religious event.

The Congress leader further attacked the BJP, stating that while religion is a personal matter of faith, the ruling party has commercialized it for political gains. He emphasized that while people perform prayers at home daily, he had concerns about the exploitation of the poor in the name of religion.

BJP Responds Strongly To Kharge’s Remarks

The BJP quickly responded to Kharge’s comments, accusing him and his party of attacking Hindu faith. Party MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra expressed his displeasure, stating, “Maha Kumbh has been the symbol of the Sanatan faith for ages. I am pained to say that while the entire world reveres this faith, the biggest opposition party in India is ridiculing the Maha Kumbh and this faith. They are making a mockery of it.”

The BJP’s Madhya Pradesh unit also condemned Kharge’s comments, accusing him of insulting the entire Sanatan culture. Ashish Agarwal, the media in-charge for the Madhya Pradesh BJP, remarked, “Today’s so-called big demonstration by the Congress in Mhow has once again proved that Congress is against the Constitution and Sanatan Dharma. Mallikarjun Kharge showed an opposing mentality regarding Maha Kumbh, the center of faith for Sanatanis.”

Kharge’s remarks and subsequent apology have sparked a heated political debate, with both parties accusing each other of undermining the values they claim to uphold. As the controversy continues, it highlights the complex intersection of religion, politics, and public perception in India.