Justice Markandey Katju, a former Supreme Court judge and native of Allahabad, where the Kumbh Mela is held, critiques the politicization of this religious event in 2025. Having attended Kumbh Melas since 1954, he notes an unprecedented presence of political posters of PM Narendra Modi and UP CM Yogi Adityanath throughout the Mela premises. Katju argues that this year’s event, backed by a governmental expenditure of over Rs 9000 crores, marks a stark deviation from the secular ethos enshrined in India’s Constitution, specifically Article 51A(h), suggesting it’s a strategic move for upcoming elections, thus violating the principle of secularism.
Tag: Kumbh Mela secularism
Justice Katju Highlights Secularism Violation with Kumbh Mela Funding
Justice Markandey Katju criticizes the Kumbh Mela 2025 in Allahabad, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, where 400 million Hindus are expected to participate, believing a bath in the sacred Sangam will cleanse their sins. He deems this belief as superstition, opposing government expenditure of approximately Rs 9,000 crores on the event. Katju argues that this funding contradicts India’s secular constitution, which mandates a separation of religion from state affairs. He advocates for the use of these funds for public welfare like education and health. Additionally, he condemns the political exploitation of the Mela by BJP for electoral gains, as evidenced by the omnipresent images of Modi and Yogi Adityanath.
Justice Katju Critiques Government Funding for Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj
The Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu religious gathering, is set to begin in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025, with an estimated 400 million attendees. Despite being an atheist, Justice Katju supports religious freedom but objects to the substantial government funding for the event, questioning the secular nature of India. He criticizes the expenditure on religious events like the Ram Temple and Kumbh Mela, arguing that such funds should aid public welfare. He also challenges the superstitious belief that bathing at the confluence of rivers can cleanse sins, suggesting it conflicts with the constitutional duty to promote scientific temper.