Daijiworld Media Network - Mahakumbh Nagar

Mahakumbh Nagar, Jan 13: A fresh controversy stirred at the Maha Kumbh Mela on Sunday following the installation of a statue of Samajwadi Party (SP) founder Mulayam Singh Yadav. Several seers, including the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, objected to the statue, describing Yadav as ‘anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan.’

The statue, around 2-3 feet in height, was unveiled on Saturday at a camp in sector 16, established by the Mulayam Singh Yadav Smriti Seva Sansthan. The camp's inauguration was attended by the leader of opposition in the Uttar Pradesh assembly, Mata Prasad Pandey.

Pandey defended the move, stating, "This is a symbolic gesture to honour our leader, Netaji. The camp is a space for people to engage with his ideas and philosophy, offering food and accommodation to visitors."

However, Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, strongly criticized the statue's installation, claiming it was an attempt to align Mulayam Singh Yadav with anti-Hindu sentiments. “What message are they trying to send? Everyone knows his stance on the Ram temple movement and his support for Muslims,” Puri said.

Mahamandaleshwar Yati Narsinghanand, of the Juna Akhara, echoed Puri's concerns, agreeing that the statue’s unveiling was a provocative gesture.

Mulayam Singh Yadav, who passed away in October 2022, served multiple terms as Uttar Pradesh’s chief minister and as India’s defense minister, leaving behind a significant political legacy.