PM Modi shatters Waqf Board’s arbitrary claims on Mahakumbh land, says CM Yogi

Waqf Board turned land mafia, but ‘mafiagiri’ won’t be tolerated in UP: CM

Prayagraj : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday, said that during the preparations for Mahakumbh, the Waqf Board had claimed that the land for Kumbh belonged to them, adding that it had turned into a mafia-like board.

“However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah put a stop to its arbitrary actions,” he asserted. The CM visited Shringverpur in Prayagraj on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Lord Nishadraj Guha, the dear friend of Lord Shri Ram.

He said, “An important act related to the Waqf Board has already been passed in the Lok Sabha and will soon be approved in the Rajya Sabha. This will ensure that the board remains focused only on welfare activities. Mafia activities will not be allowed in Uttar Pradesh, as the state has already been freed from them.”

CM Yogi inaugurated an exhibition based on stories related to Lord Shri Ram and King Nishad and ‘One District-One Product’ (ODOP) here. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 181 development projects worth Rs 579 crore in Prayagraj.

During his visit to Shringverpur, CM Yogi offered garlands to the statues of Lord Ram and Nishad Raj. He described Nishad Raj Park as a grand symbol of their friendship and inspected the site, recalling that Lord Ram had once set foot on this sacred land.

“Nishad Raj fulfilled the duty of friendship by helping Lord Ram cross the Ganga and accompanying him to Chitrakoot,” he said. Drawing a parallel to the present, he added that this bond is now reflected in the alliance between the BJP and the Nishad Party.

CM Yogi announced plans to develop Shringverpur as a spiritual and tourism hub. He revealed that river ghats would be constructed and beautified at the spot where Lord Ram rested for the night.

Additionally, the Maharishi Shringi and Mata Shanta temples would be renovated, and a Sanskrit school and an electricity research center would be established. He also directed officials to ensure proper maintenance of the park and enhance facilities for devotees.

As part of welfare initiatives, CM Yogi gifted several schemes for the upliftment of the Nishad community. Under the Nishad Raj Boat Subsidy Scheme, Rs 3.20 crore was distributed to 1,100 boatmen, while Rs 20 crore was allocated to 1,400 fish farmers through the Matsya Sampada Yojana. Additionally, loans worth Rs 138 crore were disbursed under the Kisan Credit Card scheme.

“Earlier, this money used to go to middlemen, but now, the double-engine government is delivering it directly to the beneficiaries,” he stated. He also instructed officials to provide CNG boats and create employment opportunities for the Nishad community.

During the program, a young boy dressed as Lord Ram recited a Shiva Stuti. Delighted by the performance, CM Yogi gifted the child chocolates and praised his talent, saying, “Such brilliance will carry forward our heritage.”

CM Yogi said that the success of Mahakumbh 2025 has given Prayagraj a new identity. He mentioned that the city is blessed by Maa Ganga, as over 66 crore devotees participated in the grand event. “Which country in the world or state in India was not represented here? Everyone who bathed in the Triveni Sangam became part of this sacred experience,” he said.

He further said that Prayagraj no longer needs to be introduced as a city next to Varanasi—it has established its own global identity. Describing Prayagraj as a place of great confluence, he highlighted its spiritual significance, from the meeting of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers to the legendary friendship between Lord Ram and Nishad Raj. He also extended his best wishes for Nishad Raj Jayanti and Navratri.

The CM called the success of Mahakumbh a testament to the strength of Sanatan Dharma. “Only true devotees of Lord Ram and those dedicated to the nation could organize such a magnificent event. This is the result of the grace of Mother Ganga, Lord Ram, Nishad Raj and Dwadash Madhav,” he remarked. During the event, he honored trained guides, boatmen, and homestay operators with appreciation certificates for their contributions to Mahakumbh.

He further highlighted the development brought about by Mahakumbh, stating that it has transformed Prayagraj into more than just a smart city. “Projects like Hanuman Ji Corridor, Akshayvat Corridor, Maa Saraswati Corridor, Patalpuri Corridor, Maharishi Bharadwaj Corridor, Nagvasuki Corridor, and the Dwadash Madhav Corridor have given Prayagraj a new identity,” he said.

Additionally, he announced Rs 579 crore worth of new projects, including the upgradation of medical colleges, drinking water schemes, and connectivity projects, which will take the city to new heights.

CM Yogi highlighted the sanctity and uninterrupted flow of Maa Ganga, calling it a symbol of heritage and divinity. He lauded the dedication of boatmen and guides, recognizing their vital role in the success of Mahakumbh while also enhancing their livelihoods.

He accused the previous governments of trying to destroy Prayagraj’s identity and encouraging mafias. “Encroachments were made in various cities under the name of Waqf, even on the sacred land of Nishad Raj. But with our zero-tolerance policy, we have eliminated these mafias and thwarted attempts to seize the historic lands of Shringverpur and Prayagraj,” he asserted.

Thanking PM Modi for his visionary leadership, he said that it was under his guidance that Mahakumbh turned out to be a grand and divine event.

Double-engine government committed to development and heritage conservation: CM

CM Yogi also distributed financial aid under various schemes. Fish farmers received Rs 138 crore in loans through the Kisan Credit Card, while self-help groups under the National Rural Livelihood Mission were granted financial assistance.

Beneficiaries of the Chief Minister and Prime Minister Housing Schemes were handed keys to their new homes, and approval letters were issued to young entrepreneurs under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Yojana.

“Every poor person is getting a house, the differently-abled and destitute are receiving pensions, and fish farmers are being provided financial aid. The double-engine government is dedicated to both development and preserving our heritage,” he said.

The event was attended by Cabinet Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi,’ Dr. Sanjay Kumar Nishad, Narendra Kumar Kashyap, Ramkesh Nishad, District Panchayat President Dr. V.K. Singh, Mayor Umesh Ganesh Kesrwani, and several MLAs and local representatives.