BJP aims for Hindu unity via Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh

The Maha Kumbh, which concluded in February 2025, was promoted as the largest religious gathering in the world. For the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it represents a major effort to rally Hindus and strengthen their support. This event is seen as paralleling the long-running Ayodhya campaign that aimed to unite the Hindu community over many years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Maha Kumbh a “maha yagya of unity,” emphasizing its role in promoting social cohesion. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath portrayed it as a symbol of the broad and unifying Sanatan Dharma. Both leaders aim to rekindle Hindu sentiment ahead of the upcoming 2027 state elections and the 2029 General Elections. As the BJP seeks to consolidate its Hindu support, they are looking to recover from earlier losses in the 2024 elections. The impact of Maha Kumbh on Hindu voters will be tested during the Bihar elections later in 2025. The state and central governments are working to keep the enthusiasm alive through public outreach, such as distributing Ganga water from the event. The Ganga water, collected during the Kumbh, has special significance for Hindus. Recently, Modi presented this sacred water as a gift to Mauritius. As part of local celebrations, this water will be distributed across various districts in Uttar Pradesh. The organization of Maha Kumbh contrasts sharply with the Ayodhya movement. While Ayodhya was driven by several Hindu organizations over many years, the Kumbh was primarily a government-led initiative. The Ayodhya campaign faced significant opposition from the Muslim community, whereas that community was less visible during the Kumbh, despite offering help to pilgrims. While both events aimed to mobilize Hindus, their methods and contexts differ greatly. The Ayodhya campaign unfolded over decades, while the Kumbh took a more immediate approach with focused events and media outreach in a shorter time frame.