In an unprecedented move, the Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Adityanath, is organising the six-yearly ardh-Kumbh (half Kumbh) on a massive scale. While the entire exercise, being held in an election year, smacks of opportunism, a distinct communal agenda is visible as well. Now, in an exclusive interview, eminent lawyer Prashant Bhushan has brought up the possibility of false flag attacks at the venue where 4 million devotees are estimated to gather. Advocate Bhushan draws this conclusion in light of the recent busting of a Hindu right-wing terror cell in Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, not only have all the resources of the cash-strapped state been mobilised to make this otherwise quiet affair a mega event, public outreach programs involving senior RSS functionaries have taken place in far-flung places like Mumbai as well. As is often the case with BJP’s senior leaders, Adityanath also seems to have dug up dubious reasons to justify the scale of the event, even ‘rebranding’ the age old holy mela. Noted adman Prasoon Joshi, head of the Central Board of Film certification, has been roped in to design the logo.
Related:
Why Has Sanatan Sanstha Not Been Banned Yet?
Gauri Lankesh’s murder: Will justice prevail?
Gauri Lankesh laid to rest, but The Truth could not be buried