As India’s Election Approaches, Politics Enters the World’s Largest Religious Festival

By Krishna N. Das

PRAYAGRAJ, India – At the world’s largest religious festival, the Hindu Kumbh Mela, held in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh state, the spiritual messages resonate deeply with the faithful.

However, the political implications for voters are equally significant.

An estimated 150 million attendees are expected in Prayagraj to bathe at the holy confluence of three rivers—the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Hindus believe that immersing themselves in the Ganges during the Kumbh, occurring this year from January 15 to March 31, cleanses them of sins.

The federal and Uttar Pradesh state governments, both led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are investing nearly $600 million in the grand event, according to state authorities.

Some Hindu religious and political leaders foresee a considerable return on this investment, hoping not just for blessings from the divine but also electoral support as Modi campaigns for a second term in the impending election, which must take place by May.

Hindu activists are also using the Kumbh Mela to rally backing for a highly controversial project to construct a Hindu temple at the site of the Babri Mosque, which was demolished by a Hindu mob in 1992 — a tragic event that ignited communal riots and resulted in the deaths of around 2,000 individuals, many of them Muslims.

Shrikant Sharma, a BJP leader and cabinet minister in Uttar Pradesh, dismissed claims that the Kumbh is being used for political advantage, asserting that the criticisms against the party are unfounded.

“The Kumbh is a matter of faith for us,” Sharma stated after taking a holy dip. “That’s why we are working with complete dedication.”

As the most populous state in India and one of its poorest, Uttar Pradesh is contributing two-thirds of the finances to provide an “unforgettable pilgrimage experience.” The total expenditure is more than triple that of the last Kumbh in 2013.

While the BJP experienced significant success in Uttar Pradesh during the last elections in 2014, declining farm prices and high unemployment, along with the consolidation of two regional parties based on caste, have weakened its position this year, according to opinion polls.

A major loss in seat numbers could hinder Modi and the BJP’s chances of returning to power in New Delhi.

"HAIL LORD RAM"

Political dynamics were evident at two conferences during the Kumbh last week. Hindu priests and spiritual leaders praised Modi and Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, for orchestrating the "best ever" Kumbh event.

They also urged attendees to support the BJP in its efforts to build the temple for Lord Ram at the Babri Mosque location in Ayodhya. A prominent Hindu priest unaffiliated with the BJP announced plans to lead a group to begin temple construction on February 21, risking a violation of court orders and potentially escalating religious tensions.

“We must ensure that a nationalist government committed to constructing a Ram temple remains in power,” proclaimed Mohan Bhagwat, head of the BJP’s parent organization, as supporters echoed "Jai Shree Ram!" — "Hail Lord Ram!"

At another gathering, Bhagwat’s colleague Indresh Kumar asserted that Modi was the "only worthy" candidate for prime minister, deserving of at least two more terms in office.

Critics, including historians and Muslim representatives, claim that the actions of the BJP and other Hindu groups threaten communal harmony and jeopardize India’s identity as a secular democracy. They argue that Muslims are increasingly marginalized, pointing to BJP initiatives aimed at granting citizenship to non-Muslims from neighboring countries while excluding Muslims.

S. Irfan Habib, a historian based in New Delhi, characterized this year’s Kumbh as part of the BJP’s strategy to promote a "Hindu India" agenda for political gain. With 80 percent of India’s population being Hindu and 14.2 percent Muslim, Habib highlighted that the constitutional principle of equality for all citizens is being undermined.

"This is a blatant violation of the ideals our constitution represents, ideals fostered by our freedom fighters," Habib emphasized.

He asserted that governments should refrain from meddling in religious matters, referencing the Modi administration’s choice to terminate state support for Muslims participating in the annual Islamic haj pilgrimage.

"HINDUS SHOULD FEEL PROUD"

Throughout the Kumbh, Modi and Adityanath’s images dominated banners, commending their government’s initiatives in Uttar Pradesh. Party workers distributed promotional materials to thousands of devotees who attended various religious discussions.

Much of the preparations and expenditures presented no overt political narrative.

Uttar Pradesh authorities established temporary bridges, mass kitchens, over 120,000 portable toilets, temporary power stations, and provided thousands of free shuttle bus services.

Munna, a boatman serving devotees for 20 years, noted that this year patrons expressed unprecedented satisfaction due to the arrangements, with many attributing their enjoyment to Modi and Adityanath’s efforts related to cleanliness and facilities.

“They are doing so much for us pilgrims,” remarked Hitu Dambar, a farmer from Madhya Pradesh, as he held a BJP pamphlet received at a government-sponsored event attended by over 100 priests from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain communities.

“Hindus should feel proud of what they are witnessing here.”

NEW NAME, HIGHER PROFILE

Adityanath, known for his strong stance against Muslims, prioritized Kumbh preparations upon taking office in 2017. Last October, he renamed the festival city from Allahabad to Prayagraj, reestablishing its Hindu significance and shedding the Islamic identity assigned by former rulers.

He convened a cabinet meeting at the Kumbh site in late January, marking the first such assembly held outside the state capital, Lucknow. Images circulated on social media showed him and fellow ministers bathing in the sacred waters, flanked by saffron-clad priests.

Modi visited Prayagraj in December to inaugurate various Kumbh-related projects. It remains uncertain whether he will attend the festival, according to the officer in charge, Vijay Kiran Anand.

Romila Thapar, an esteemed historian, noted that such a grand Kumbh could promote Hindu pride. “I believe events like this can positively influence those who see these rituals as a reflection of Hinduism’s grandeur,” Thapar stated. “They perceive state investment as justification for their sentiment of rightful citizenship, asserting that the government should fund their celebrations.”