Maha Kumbh venue described as waqf asset, PM Narendra Modi has put an end to such claims : CM Yogi Adityanath

PRAYAGRAJ: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said the waqf boards were working like a land mafia and even the land where Maha Kumbh was held was said to be a waqf land.

“Now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, through the Waqf Bill, have put an end to such arbitrary claims and actions. Now, no such land mafia will be tolerated in the state and there will be rule of law,” he said.

The CM was speaking during the Lord Nishadraj Guha jay anti celebrations at Shringverpur Dham, about 40 km from Prayagraj.

"Encroachments were made in various cities under the name of waqf, even to the sacred land of Nishad Raj. But with our zero-tolerance policy, we have eliminated these mafia and thwarted attempts to seize the historic lands of Shringverpur and Prayagraj," he said adding that this bill would ensure that the board remained focused only on welfare activities.

At Shringverpur, the CM inaugura ted an exhibition based on stories related to Lord Ram and Nishadraj and ODOP. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 181 development projects worth Rs 579 crore in Prayagraj. During the visit to Shringverpur, Yogi offered garlands to the statues of Lord Ram and Nishad Raj and described Nishad Raj Park as a grand symbol of their friendship.

"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.

Yogi also announced plans to develop Shringv erpur as a spiritual and tourism hub.

“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 centre would be established,” Yogi said.

The CM also gifted several schemes for the uplift of the Nishad community. Under the Nishad Raj Boat Subsidy Scheme, Rs 3.20 crore was distributed among 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 Car d scheme.

During the event, a young boy dressed as Lord Ram recited a Shiva Stuti. Delighted by the performance, the CM gifted the child chocolates and praised his talent. The CM said the success of Maha Kumbh gave Prayagraj anew identity.

“Prayagraj is blessed by Goddess Ganga, as over 66.30 crore devotees participated in the grand event. Which country in the world or state in India was not represented here? Every one who bathed in the Triv eni Sangam became part of this sacred experience. Prayagraj no longer needs to be introduced as a city next to Varanasi—it has established its own global identity,” he said.

While extending his wishes for N avratri, the CM called the success of Maha Kumbh a testament to the strength of Sanatan Dharma.

"Only true devotees of Lord Ram and those dedicated to the nation could organise such a magnificent event. This is the result of the grace of Goddess Ganga, Lord Ram, Nishad Raj, and Dwadash Madhav," he said.