Bharatiya Janata Party MP Dinesh Sharma praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for boosting economic growth through religious tourism ahead of the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, calling it an “unprecedented” effort that deserves recognition.

Sharma’s comments came in response to Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav’s concerns about the government’s preparedness for the event.

Responding to Akhilesh’s statement about the alleged lack of preparedness for Maha Kumbh, the BJP MP said: “The last Kumbh Mela held under the leadership of CM Yogi was hailed worldwide. This time, around 40 crore people are expected to visit… After the Kumbh, don’t call him ‘Yogi Baba’, but call him ‘Arth Prabandhan Baba’ (Economic Management Baba). He is improving the economy through promoting religious tourism... Such work is unprecedented and must be praised...”

He also urged the leaders of the SP and Congress to attend the Maha Kumbh and see the preparations.

The BJP MP added, “Leaders of the Samajwadi Party and Congress must have attended the Kumbh Mela earlier too, but they should visit this time; you will see the arrangements and witness the transformation this time...”

Akhilesh Yadav had expressed concerns, alleging the lack of preparedness by the BJP-led state government ahead of the Maha Kumbh and said that his party workers were ready to help.

“The Kumbh should end with fervour. And if the government wants any help, our party members are ready to help. But with the arrangements we have seen, we have noticed that some work is pending. How are they going to complete all that in just 13 days?” he told reporters earlier in the month.

The Maha Kumbh, held once every 12 years, is scheduled to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj.