Prayagraj, Apr 3 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that during the preparations for Maha Kumbh, the Waqf Board had claimed that the land for Kumbh belonged to them and it had turned into a mafia-like board.

After launching 181 projects worth Rs 580 crore in a programme organized in Shringverpur town of Nishad Raj Guha, the CM said, "However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah put a stop to its arbitrary actions."

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 said.

Yogi 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 UP, as the state has already been freed from them."

He inaugurated an exhibition based on stories related to Lord Shri Ram and King Nishad and 'One District-One Product' (ODOP). During his visit to Shringverpur, he 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.

The CM said, "Nishad Raj fulfilled the duty of friendship by helping Lord Ram cross the Ganga and accompanying him to Chitrakoot. This bond is now reflect in the alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Nishad Party."

He 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.

Besides, he said that the Maharishi Shringi and Mata Shanta temples would be renovated, a Sanskrit school and an electricity research centre would be set up. He also directed officials to ensure proper maintenance of the park and enhance facilities for devotees.

As part of welfare initiatives, 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. Besides, loans worth Rs 138 crore were disbursed under the Kisan Credit Card scheme.

He said, "Earlier, this money used to go to middlemen, but now, the double-engine government is delivering it directly to the beneficiaries."

The CM said that the success of Maha Kumbh has given Prayagraj a new identity. He said that the city is blessed by Maa Ganga, as over 66 crore devotees participated in the grand event.

He said, "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. 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.

Yogi termed 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 Mother Ganga, Lord Ram, Nishad Raj and Dwadash Madhav," he said.

During the event, he felicitated trained guides, boatmen, and home stay operators with citation certificates for their contributions to Maha Kumbh.

Highlighting the development brought about by Maha Kumbh, he said that it has transformed Prayagraj into more than just a smart city. "Projects like Hanuman Ji Corridor, Akshaya Vat Corridor, Maa Saraswati Corridor, Patalpuri Corridor, Maharshi Bhardwaj Corridor, Nagvasuki Corridor, and the Dwadash Madhav Corridor have given Prayagraj a new identity," he said.

The CM 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, recognising their vital role in the success of Maha Kumbh while also enhancing their livelihoods.

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

He said, "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."

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