Yogi Adityanath And RSS Plan To Bring More Hindu Sects To Prayagraj Kumbh—Here's What Happened In Mathura Meeting

Other than politics, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath discussed cultural issues with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders when he met them in Mathura recently.

The RSS told Indian Express that Adityanath encouraged them to support broader involvement from various sects of Hindu society including tribals in the upcoming Kumbh Mela.

Adityanath specifically mentioned Karnataka’s prominent Other Backward Class (OBC) community Lingayat and urged RSS to invite them to the Prayagraj Kumbh scheduled for next year.

The UP CM emphasised the importance of engaging with these communities, as they have traditionally either not attended such festivals or have "never been invited."

Sources indicated that in a 45-minute, private meeting with senior Sangh leaders, Adityanath discussed these outreach efforts extensively and RSS agreed with the UP CM.

A senior RSS functionary acknowledged that communities such as the Lingayats of Karnataka, Karvis of Maharashtra and certain sects in Kerala have stayed away from the Kumbh.

"It is an issue that the RSS too has been working on. No attempt has even been made earlier to get them into the fold. We have been working on it," he added.

He recalled that the Swaminarayan sect would earlier stay away but the RSS got them to the Kumbh last time. He also said that Adityanath has extended administrative support for the RSS' efforts.

The UP CM suggested that the Sangh utilise the Kumbh platform to promote the 'Paanch Pran' (five vows) it introduced for its centenary celebrations.

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said that Adityanath mainly discussed the Kumbh Mela and requested that people from across the country come.

Adityanath emphasised that the Kumbh is not just a religious gathering but a cultural event symbolising national unity, Hosabale shared. "We said we will help," he added.