Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly defended his government’s handling of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, emphasizing the large-scale arrangements made for the grand religious event and dismissing opposition criticism as baseless and politically motivated. He underscored that the event was inclusive and open to people of all castes, creeds, and religions, ensuring that every devotee who came with a pure heart was welcomed to take part in the holy rituals. Addressing the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, Adityanath stressed that faith, rather than religious or social identity, was the defining factor for participation in the sacred event. He cited cricketer Mohammad Shami as an example of a prominent individual from a different religious background who performed the ritual bath, reaffirming that Maha Kumbh was not discriminatory in any way.
“There was no discrimination against anyone at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Cricketer Mohammad Shami also took the holy dip. People from different caste, creed, and religion, if they have come with devotion in their heart, they have also taken the holy dip. Yes, those who came to tease (mock faith), they were scolded and sent away,” Adityanath said. His statement was seen as a firm response to critics who have accused the government of fostering religious divisions. The Chief Minister’s remarks also appeared to take a veiled swipe at individuals and groups who have questioned the BJP government’s approach to cultural and religious matters, particularly in relation to its renaming policies.
The opposition, particularly the Samajwadi Party, has repeatedly criticized the BJP government over what they describe as an aggressive renaming spree, targeting names associated with Mughal and Muslim history. In recent years, the Uttar Pradesh government has changed the names of several cities, districts, and landmarks, arguing that these modifications were aimed at restoring India’s cultural heritage and reclaiming historical identities from colonial and Mughal influences. However, critics argue that these moves reflect a deeper agenda of erasing contributions made by minority communities and rewriting history to fit a particular narrative.
One of the most recent controversies erupted when the name of 1965 war hero Abdul Hamid was removed from a government school in Ghazipur district. The institution, which had previously carried his name as a tribute to his bravery and sacrifice for the nation, was renamed ‘PM Shri Composite School.’ The decision led to widespread condemnation from opposition parties, with Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav calling the move “extremely reprehensible.” He accused the BJP of attempting to systematically erase the legacy of national heroes belonging to minority communities and sarcastically remarked that at this rate, the ruling party might even consider renaming the country itself.
The renaming of places and institutions has remained a contentious issue in Uttar Pradesh politics, with supporters of the BJP government arguing that it is part of an effort to correct historical distortions and reinstate the true cultural heritage of India. They believe many locations were named during colonial and Mughal rule without properly recognizing the region’s indigenous heritage. On the other hand, critics see it as an attempt to polarize communities, marginalize certain sections of society, and push a divisive narrative.
The controversy surrounding the removal of Abdul Hamid’s name from the school has further fueled tensions, with political leaders, activists, and members of the public engaging in heated debates over whether the move was justified. Abdul Hamid, a Param Vir Chakra awardee, played a crucial role in the 1965 India-Pakistan war, and his bravery has been celebrated in Indian military history. His legacy is deeply respected across the country, making the removal of his name from an educational institution all the more controversial.
As the political debate over renaming policies intensifies, the issue has also sparked reactions on social media, with many users expressing their opinions on the matter. Some have criticized the government for allegedly neglecting the legacy of national heroes, while others have defended the decision, arguing that educational institutions should be named in alignment with the present-day ethos and priorities. The Uttar Pradesh government, however, has maintained that its renaming initiatives are being carried out with a vision to restore cultural pride and historical accuracy.
With the opposition continuing to attack the BJP over its policies and the ruling party standing firm on its approach, the debate over cultural identity, historical narratives, and political symbolism in Uttar Pradesh is unlikely to die down anytime soon.
