Are they Hindus: Athawale Criticizes Rahul and Thackeray for Skipping Maha Kumbh

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Thursday made a sharp dig at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, criticizing them for staying away from the newly concluded Maha Kumbh. He was skeptical about their beliefs in Hindu traditions, implying that their absence from the event was an indication of their lack of faith.

Athawale contended that their absence from the sacred religious meet represented a lack of interest in Hindu traditions, asking people to rethink voting for them in the next elections.

The Maha Kumbh, a big 45-day spiritual gathering, concluded on February 26 with Naga Sadhus, saints, and crores of devotees from India and the rest of the globe converging, all of them eager to have a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam. Several politicians and stars also attended the event to seek their blessings.

Rahul Gandhi and his INDIA bloc partner Uddhav Thackeray were, however, missing from the event.

Referring to this, Athawale said to IANS, "Rahul Gandhi and Uddhav Thackeray did not go to Kumbh. Are they Hindus? If so, they must have been there at the Maha Kumbh. Their absence clearly indicates that they do not believe in Hinduism."

He continued to say that this was another reason why Hindu voters must turn them down in the next elections. "The people will definitely give them a lesson," he said.

Athawale clarified that the Maha Kumbh had nothing to do with Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath but was an important religious festival for the whole Hindu community.

He also went on to state that Gandhi and Thackeray's political power had already diminished and that their failure to attend such an important Hindu festival would further diminish their position.

"The people have already kept them away from power, and after this, their political status will only deteriorate," Athawale said.