CM Devendra Fadnavis addresses the gathering at the inaugural function of Simhastha Mahakumbh Bhakti Sangam festival in Nashik city on Friday
Nashik : Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday strongly defended the Rs 34,000-crore expenditure on works linked to 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, saying critics were ignoring that 93% of the allocation was being invested in permanent infrastructure that would benefit Nashik for the next 50 years. “Many people question the Rs 34,000 crore being spent on Kumbh Mela. What they do not understand is that 93% of it is for permanent infrastructure that Nashik will use for decades,” he said.
Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day Simhastha Mahakumbh Bhakti Sangam festival in Nashik, Fadnavis said the spending was aimed at transforming the city through new and widened roads, river rejuvenation projects and other long-term civic facilities, rather than merely organising the religious event. Acknowledging inconvenience caused by multiple ongoing projects, Fadnavis said the state was racing to complete works before the mega congregation. “We are receiving brickbats today because of the inconvenience, but once the projects are completed, people will appreciate and bless us,” he said, urging public representatives not to be deterred by criticism. “Whatever obstacles come our way, we will conduct Kumbh Mela smoothly and successfully with the blessings of sadhus and seers,” he said. All information relating to these works is available publicly,” Fadnavis said. Accusing political opponents of attempting to malign Kumbh Mela, Fadnavis said isolated issues were being exaggerated to discredit a larger initiative, drawing a parallel with controversies surrounding the Ayodhya Ram Temple. There is a deliberate attempt to malign the Kumbh Mela and create confusion among people regarding places of faith and Sanatan Dharma,” he said. The CM reiterated his apology for the inconvenience caused by ongoing works and said the temporary hardship would pave the way for long-term gains. “Once these projects are completed, Nashik and the surrounding region will undergo a major transformation,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that govt would successfully organise Kumbh Mela despite challenges. Later, speaking at another event, the CM rejected opposition allegations of corruption in Kumbh-related projects. “The opposition continues to raise allegations of corruption, but every project is being executed transparently. There are no hidden projects. “Those whose minds and conduct are influenced by corruption tend to see corruption everywhere.
The CM said govt was also spending around Rs 2,500 crore on land acquisition for a permanent Sadhugram, which would serve future editions of Kumbh Mela.
The land and infrastructure will continue to serve future generations,” he said. “This is not temporary expenditure.