Avoid calling any disputed structure a mosque; it is against the principles of Islam: CM Yogi

Mahakumbh will leave a new mark on the global stage as a new amalgamation of faith and modernity: Chief Minister

Prayagraj Mahakumbh will be known as a grand, divine, and digital Kumbh: CM

Along with the model of cleanliness, security, and modernity, there will also be a new amalgamation of faith and modernity: CM

In 2013, the then Prime Minister of Mauritius was moved to tears witnessing the pollution in Maa Ganga: CM Yogi

Some individuals spread false narratives, but I took a bath in the Sangam and drank its water without any adverse effects: CM Yogi

Prayagraj deserves the development and recognition it has long awaited: CM Yogi

It is not a Waqf Board but a board of land mafias; this is the land of Kumbh and will always be available for Kumbh: CM Yogi

Those who traditionally come to take a dip in the Sangam are welcome, but those claiming ownership over this sacred land will face strict consequences: CM Yogi

Also, in Ain-I-Akbari, there is a mention of the demolition of Shri Hari Vishnu temple in Sambhal, with scriptural and historical evidence confirming the temple’s existence and significance: CM Yogi

CM Yogi: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that no disputed structure should be referred to as a mosque. He stated, “The day we stop calling it a mosque, people will stop going there. Islam itself teaches against hurting anyone’s faith or constructing a mosque-like structure at such places.”

He continued, “Worship at such locations is neither acceptable to God nor aligned with Islamic principles. If God disapproves, why should we engage in such futile worship?” The Chief Minister expressed these views during a program hosted by a private channel at Airavat Ghat in the Mahakumbh Mela area.

The CM added that Islam does not mandate the construction of a structure for worship, unlike Sanatan Dharma, where temples hold central importance. “Sanatanis go to temples for worship, not for Islamic practices. Therefore, it is unnecessary and counterproductive to insist on calling any structure a mosque. This is a time to embrace the vision of a new India and move forward with progressive thinking. We must focus on building unity and harmony instead of clinging to disputes of the past. “

CM Yogi Adityanath said, “It is God’s grace that Ram Lalla was installed in Ayodhya a year ago, ending the wait of 500 years, and Mahakumbh being held at such an auspicious time after 144 years.”

Discussing inclusivity, CM Yogi noted that in previous years, saints from some northeastern and southern states could not participate in the Maha Kumbh. “This time, Maha Kumbh will truly reflect the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, with saints and devotees from across the nation in attendance. Over the next 45 days, the third-largest population in the world will gather at the Triveni in Prayagraj to take a holy dip,” he said.

CM Yogi retaliated to the opposition’s attack and said that we never said that BJP had associated itself with the organization of Mahakumbh. He said, “Who stopped this faith from taking it to new heights? Before 2017, this event was synonymous with dirt, and there was chaos. What was the situation in the Mahakumbh of 2013?”

He said that the then Prime Minister of Mauritius had come to take a bath, and, seeing the disorder and filth, he had said with a sad heart, is this the Ganga? Shedding tears from his eyes, is this the Ganga? And went back.

CM Yogi said that Mauritius’s people have preserved Maa Ganga’s memory through Ganga Talab. Referring to the visit of the Prime Minister of Mauritius to Varanasi, he said that we had requested him to take a dip in the Sangam. Accepting the invitation, the Prime Minister, accompanied by 450 others, visited Prayagraj and participated in the holy dip, expressing great happiness afterward.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the 2019 Kumbh became widely recognized for its exceptional cleanliness. “The Maha Kumbh of 2025 will be remembered not only for its faith but as a grand confluence of good governance, spirituality, and modernity. The double-engine BJP government is committed to making this event a grand and divine spectacle, ensuring that preparations reflect both reverence for faith and meticulous planning,” he added.

CM Yogi said on the pollution in the river water at Sangam that I, too, had read some such statements and had come here many times. He said, “I have come to the banks of Sangam and seen the water and quantity. I bathed in the water and sipped it. My health has not deteriorated. Some people have taken the contract of spreading false propaganda. I cannot say anything about what was there before this.”

He added: H”owever, in independent India, such a significant volume of water at the Sangam has never been seen. Currently, over 10,300 cusecs of water flows in the Ganga and Yamuna, making it so pure that one can bathe and even sip it without hesitation. I have done it myself, and this reflects my faith.”

Speaking about organizing the Mahakumbh on land claimed by the Waqf Board, CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized that Prayagraj deserves the honor and recognition it has long been entitled to. He mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently stressed the importance of preserving and upholding the rights of India’s sacred pilgrimages. “In 2024, all eyes, both from within the country and worldwide, were on Ayodhya. Every step of the nation seemed to move in unison toward it,” he said.

Since December 2023, he added, inquiries began pouring in globally about the Mahakumbh, particularly about connectivity and infrastructure in Prayagraj. Recognizing this anticipation, preparations for the event were initiated in 2019 to meet global expectations.

He said, “The Mahakumbh is being organized across a sprawling area of over 10,000 acres, with designated pandals and separate parking facilities covering more than 5,000 acres.”

CM Yogi noted that Kumbh has been held on this land in Prayagraj for thousands of years. “If someone now calls this land Waqf Board property, we must ask whether it belongs to the Waqf Board or land mafias,” he remarked. He underlined the need to curb such malicious tendencies, stating, “We will put an end to this.”

He elaborated on recent amendments, requiring a thorough review of land records dating back to 1363 Fasli for any property claimed by the Waqf Board. “If the term ‘Waqf’ appears, we examine the original ownership and take steps to reclaim the land. Public-use properties, lands of holy places associated with Hindu faith, or government-owned land will not be allowed to fall into the hands of any so-called land mafia boards,” he asserted.

He assured that the land of Kumbh would remain dedicated to its purpose, providing a sacred space for saints and pilgrims during the event.

The Chief Minister highlighted the sanctity of Prayagraj as a symbol of India’s thousands-of-years-old heritage. “This is the land where Kumbh has been celebrated for generations. It is unacceptable for anyone to undermine the faith of millions by claiming it is Waqf land,” he said.

He also underscored the scale of the event, describing it as the world’s largest temporary city, which will host an estimated 40 crore visitors. “This Mahakumbh will exemplify Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, uniting people across caste and religion to take a holy dip in the Sangam,” he added.

The Chief Minister further announced that this year’s Mahakumbh would be known as the Digital Mahakumbh, where faith meets modernity. A dedicated mobile app will provide comprehensive information about the event, ensuring convenience for devotees. “Through the Digital Mahakumbh app, visitors will have access to all necessary details, making their experience seamless and enriching,” he said.

Speaking about the participation of Muslims in the Mahakumbh, CM Yogi Adityanath stated that those who respect India, its ethos, and its eternal traditions are welcome to attend. However, he pointed out against individuals coming with malicious intent, adding, “Such sentiments will not be appreciated and may warrant a different response. Such people should stay away. But anyone who arrives with reverence and faith is wholeheartedly welcome in Prayagraj.”

He acknowledged that many individuals whose ancestors embraced Islam under specific historical circumstances still take pride in India’s traditions. “They identify their gotras with the names of Indian sages, participate in festivals, and cherish their cultural roots. If such people come to take a holy dip in the Sangam out of tradition and devotion, they are most welcome. There is no issue,” he affirmed.

However, he warned against anyone arriving to assert ownership over the land, stating, “Those who claim this land as theirs and seek to occupy it may face consequences, including corrective action.”

On the issue of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, the Chief Minister pointed out discrepancies in claims regarding land ownership. He remarked, “There are assertions that more land than the entire Sambhal district belongs to the Waqf Board, which is absurd. Our Puranas document that over 5,000 years ago, Sambhal was prophesied as the birthplace of Kalki, the tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Everything in Sambhal today is rooted in Sanatan Dharma. Five thousand years ago, there was no Islam on this earth, so how could there be a mention of Jama Masjid in that era?”

Citing historical records, he stated, “Ain-I-Akbari mentions that in 1526, the Jama Masjid structure was erected by demolishing a Shri Hari Vishnu temple. This mistake should be acknowledged, and the land should be voluntarily returned. This nation will not function under the mindset of the Muslim League but in alignment with the faith and cultural ethos of India.”

The Chief Minister further referred to Ain-I-Akbari, which records that in 1528, a structure was built on the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya after demolishing the temple of Lord Ram Lalla. “Mir Baki carried out all these actions. If the Hindu community insists on reclaiming these sacred sites, their voices must be heard,” he emphasized.

Commenting on the review of the Places of Worship Act, CM Yogi Adityanath said, “I believe the honorable court is examining the matter and will ensure justice. Faith will undoubtedly be respected. India is a nation deeply rooted in faith, and the Mahakumbh is a testament to that, where devotees from across the country and the world gather without any discrimination.”

Addressing the Jama Masjid case, the CM remarked, “There is both scriptural evidence and evidence of faith regarding such matters. I believe the issue should not require judicial intervention. Instead, it would be more appropriate for the followers of Islam to voluntarily and respectfully acknowledge the truth and extend a gesture of reconciliation by saying, ‘This is yours.’ Such mutual respect is the cornerstone of trust and harmony.”

On the statement “Ek hain to nek hain, baatenge to katenge,” CM Yogi reflected on the lessons of history, stating, “History has shown us that division weakens us. If we learn from the mistakes of the past, such situations will never arise again, and no force will be able to bind us in the chains of slavery. This slogan resonates with all such concerns.”

Regarding the alleged propaganda by the opposition’s Indi alliance during the Lok Sabha elections, CM Yogi remarked, “Those who once strangled the Constitution now hold its copy to mislead the public. The original Constitution, as presented by Baba Saheb in the Constituent Assembly, did not include the words ‘secular’ or ‘socialist.’ These were added during the Emergency imposed on the nation. The very individuals who suppressed democracy and trampled upon the Constitution are now attempting to deceive the people. However, the citizens of this country have become aware of their actions and are teaching them a lesson today.”