Prayagraj, Jan 10 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday strongly responded to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's statement about fake voters from UP and Bihar and said that people from other states have as much right in Delhi as Kejriwal does.
While speaking at an event, the UP CM said that these people play an important role in contributing to Delhi’s facilities and development.
He said, “Citizens from other states have the right to become voters in Delhi. Anyone contributing to Delhi’s governance or availing its services has the right to be a voter.”
Yogi said that whether they are workers involved in the city's development, businessmen, politicians, or other professionals, they have equal rights in Delhi as Arvind Kejriwal does. He emphasized that the process of voter registration is overseen by the Election Commission, with no role of the government in it.
He criticised Kejriwal for questioning a constitutional body.
The CM gave a sharp response to those raising disputes over the organisation of Maha Kumbh. He said that only those who dislike development are creating such controversies.
He emphasised that the tradition of Kumbh is ancient and deeply connected with thousands of years of heritage. He clarified that the government is not against any faith or religion but added that attempts to impose a 1,400-year-old history of Islam on a legacy spanning thousands of years will not be acceptable to anyone.
Yogi accused those opposing development of trying to disrupt the atmosphere and create obstacles in the grand Maha Kumbh event. He criticised claims of Kumbh land being labeled as Waqf property and said that such claims cannot stem from a noble purpose.
He described these actions as malicious attempts to disrupt the event and attributed them to a land mafia mentality. He warned against turning the Waqf Board into a 'Land Mafia Board'.
Indirectly targeting the Samajwadi Party (SP), the CM said that those responsible for illegal land grabs in the past are behind this controversy. Referring to their alleged mindset, he said, "For them, any vacant plot is considered theirs."
He said that this year's Maha Kumbh will be organised on 10,000 acres of land, with an additional 5,000 acres reserved for parking facilities. He highlighted that during the colonial era, both the Mughals and the British tried to disrupt the Kumbh Mela and even imposed levies on it. However, even after independence, the event lacked proper facilities.
Yogi credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the significant improvements being made today, including the transformation of Prayagraj into a modern city.
He assured that the Maha Kumbh will be held with grandeur and divinity, serving as a magnificent convergence of tradition and modernity. “The event will stand as one of the world's largest celebrations, showcasing India's cultural and spiritual heritage to a global audience,” he said.
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