Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 7 : Uttar Pradesh Minister AK Sharma on Monday lashed out at Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of defaming Hindu religious events like the Kanwar Yatra and Mahakumbh for political gains and engaging in vote-bank politics in the guise of criticism.
Sharma's remarks came as the state prepares for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, which begins on July 10.
Speaking to ANI, Minister Sharma said, "This one month is like a celebration throughout the country. We are ensuring that there are no potholes on the roads, especially in cities along the Kanwar route. We are ensuring that all manholes and drains are properly covered to prevent any unforeseen accidents at night. Arrangements for separate restrooms for men and women have been made along the Kanwar route."
He further added, "Arrangements for meals of Kanwar Yatris are also being made. We are making sure the facilities are better than last year's. Streetlights are being installed throughout the Kanwar route. One thing we have learnt from Muharram tazia processions is that we will ask Kanwar yatris to not make very high DJ setups to avoid coming in contact with high-tension power lines."
When asked about the opposition's reaction, Sharma launched a direct attack on Akhilesh Yadav."The opposition only wants to play politics. I myself want to ask him (Akhilesh Yadav) that you were in power for a long time, how many times or where did you make arrangements for Kanwar pilgrims?" Sharma questioned.
Minister Sharma further told ANI, "The Kanwar Yatra is a symbolic act of Shiva worship for devotees. Making such unnecessary remarks does not suit Akhilesh Yadav or his party, despite their tendency to seize every opportunity. When the Mahakumbh was organised, statements were made then, too. They (the Opposition) have nothing to do with any festival. They only engage in vote-bank politics. It's fine to point out flaws in arrangements, but do not question our festivals."
Referring to past controversies, he added, "When the Mahakumbh was organised, they raised objections. Akhilesh Yadav left no opportunity to defame the Mahakumbh and Sanatan Dharma."
Meanwhile, on Sunday, Akhilesh Yadav took a jibe at the state administration, suggesting that top officials should personally ensure food and health arrangements for Kanwar pilgrims.
"They should, the Commissioner, DM and SP should be deployed to make food arrangements for the Kanwar yatris. CO and SDM ko lagao unke pair dabane ke liye (CO, SDM should be deployed to provide them with ease). This will perhaps give them relief. This is our Vedic custom. The government should issue an order that says that DM, SP will make food and health arrangements for the Kanwar yatris and CO, SDM unke pair vair daba kar sewa karenge," Yadav, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, told reporters.
In the Kanwar Yatra procession, Kanwariyas collect water from a river and carry it hundreds of kilometres to offer it to the shrines of Lord Shiva. Devotees across the country perform worship, fasting and pilgrimage dedicated to the Lord Shiva.