Akhilesh criticises UP Cabinet meet at Maha Kumbh mela
n Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced the creation of a new religious circuit that will encompass seven districts-Prayagraj, Varanasi (Kashi), Chandauli, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, Mirzapur, and Bhadohi. This initiative aims to preserve the state's spiritual and cultural heritage while boosting religious tourism and local economies.
The announcement was made during a cabinet meeting held in Prayagraj on the sidelines of the ongoing Maha Kumbh. The meeting also approved infrastructure bonds for municipal corporations in Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Agra, aimed at accelerating urban development and improving civic amenities in these key cities.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the formation of the religious circuit underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding Uttar Pradesh's rich spiritual legacy. He emphasized that this initiative would not only protect the cultural fabric of the included districts but also position them as prominent destinations for religious tourism, thereby fostering economic growth.
The religious circuit will be supported by extensive infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and visitor experiences. The Ganga Expressway will be extended to link Prayagraj with Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Kashi, Chandauli, and Ghazipur, and eventually with the Purvanchal Expressway.
A six-lane bridge over the Ganga River, a four-lane bridge connecting Prayagraj to Jhusi, and a signature bridge over the Yamuna River are also planned to facilitate seamless travel for pilgrims and tourists.
However, the decision to hold a cabinet meeting during the Maha Kumbh has sparked political debate.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the move, calling it inappropriate to conduct government business during a sacred event. “Kumbh is a holy occasion, not a platform for political programs,” he remarked.
Responding to such criticism, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said, “The cabinet meeting reflects our intent to prioritize development in areas that matter most. The opposition should recognize the transformative potential of these initiatives instead of resorting to baseless attacks.”
This initiative aligns with the government's broader vision of establishing Uttar Pradesh as a hub for religious tourism.
By integrating cultural preservation with infrastructural development, the new religious circuit is expected to attract pilgrims and tourists from across the country, ensuring the preservation of the state's heritage while fostering modernization.
