"Better late than never...": Brajesh Pathak takes veiled jibe at Akhilesh Yadav taking holy dip in Maha Kumbh

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 27 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak took a thinly veiled jibe towards Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, over him taking a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam at Maha Kumbh 2025, and said it is "better late than never".
"Better late than never. He witnessed the wave of faith today. He should refrain from unnecessary commenting. Sanatan is for everyone and the facilities here are great, and he saw with his own eyes how people come from all over the world here," Pathak told ANI.
Earlier on Sunday, after taking a dip at Triveni Sangam, SP's Akhilesh Yadav emphasised that the Kumbh Mela is not a place for 'divisive or negative politics and should have its sacred characteristics preserved.
Speaking to reporters after taking a holy dip, Yadav said, "People come here with their faith. I took 11 holy dips. There is no place for divisive and negative politics...The day I took a dip at Haridwar - that day was a festival. Today, I got the opportunity to take a holy dip here."
He expressed dissatisfaction over the arrangements made by the administration for the elderly coming to the festival.
"The people in govt shouldn't make this event a sports event... I have seen that older people who are coming from various places - there should have been the kind of management that nobody has to face any difficulty," Yadav added.
Responding to Yadav's criticism, Deputy CM Pathak said that Yadav should refrain from "unnecessary comments."
Brajesh Pathak also spoke about the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Prayagraj on Monday.
"Union Home Minister Amit Shah ji will come here, and we are excited to welcome him. He has inspired the youths of the country and the love that he has for the people of Uttar Pradesh, I would like to thank him on behalf of 25 crore people of the state," Pathak told ANI.
According to an official statement, Shah is scheduled to arrive in Prayagraj at 11:25 AM on Monday, following which he will take a holy bath at the Triveni Sangam.
He will then visit the Bade Hanuman Ji Temple and Abhayvat. Later, the minister will proceed to Juna Akhara, where he will meet the Maharaj and other saints of the Akhara and have lunch with them.
Shah's schedule also includes visits to Guru Sharananand Ji's Ashram, where he will meet Guru Sharananand Ji and Govind Giri Ji Maharaj, and conclude his visit with a meeting with the Shankaracharyas of Sringeri, Puri, and Dwaraka.
The Maha Kumbh is held every 12 years, and a huge turnout of devotees is expected in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.
Rooted in Sanatan Dharma, the event signifies a celestial alignment that creates an auspicious period for spiritual cleansing and devotion.
The Mahakumbh Mela is expected to host over 45 crore visitors, marking a historic occasion for India. (ANI)