NEW DELHI: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s controversial remarks on the holy Ganga dip, stating that it would not end poverty, have sparked sharp reactions across political circles. His comments, which seemed to dismiss the spiritual significance of the Ganga dip for millions of devotees, drew rebukes from BJP leaders who accused him of belittling the faith of the people.
Kharge’s dismissal of such practices as ineffective in addressing systemic poverty has ignited a new round of debates, with critics calling his statement insensitive to religious sentiments.
Amidst this controversy, AAP MP Raghav Chadha has raised serious concerns about the skyrocketing flight fares for the upcoming Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.
The annual religious event, which draws millions of pilgrims, has seen ticket prices surge from a reasonable range of ₹5,000-₹8,000 to an astonishing ₹50,000-₹60,000, making it increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens, particularly those from lower-income groups, to participate.
Chadha criticized the excessive rise in airfare as a mockery of the pilgrims’ faith, calling it a disservice to people who travel to seek spiritual solace. He emphasized that the inflated prices are putting a strain on devotees’ pockets, particularly at a time when their participation in the Mahakumbh should be made easier, not harder.
In a video message, Chadha appealed to the government to intervene and regulate the fares, urging the aviation authorities to curb the profiteering practices of airlines. He called for affordable and accessible travel options for all devotees, so that the essence of the Mahakumbh, which is rooted in unity and spiritual equality, is preserved.
The prices of Air-Tickets to Prayagraj have soared to unusually high levels compared to ordinary days. On behalf of all the devotees who wish to undertake the pilgrimage to the Maha Kumbh, I urge the Union Government to intervene and stop airlines from charging exorbitant fees,… pic.twitter.com/x9A9zH8CcX
— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) January 28, 2025
Further, he stressed the sacred duty of serving the needs of the devotees, saying that it is the greatest form of service. The Mahakumbh, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, holds immense spiritual value for millions, and the rising costs of travel only alienate the people who seek to participate in it.
Rohan Dua, The Executive Editor of the New Indian tweeted, emphasizing the priorities of the modern-day faithful. He juxtaposed Kharge’s dismissive comments about religious practices with Chadha’s call for better connectivity to Prayagraj and a halt to excessive airfare charges. The tweet highlights Chadha’s demand to prevent airlines from fleecing passengers, particularly when prices reach ₹50,000 for a simple flight to the holy event.
Priorities of modern day for the faithful
While Congress president Kharge made uncharitable remarks dissing holy dips by devotees in Ganga, AAP MP Raghav @raghav_chadha seeks to
Intensify connectivity to Prayag
Stop airlines from fleecing passengers at Rs 50,000 airfare pic.twitter.com/ltZPPG4MPR
— Rohan Dua (@rohanduaT02) January 28, 2025
ALSO READ: Modi not Kejriwal deserves Sheesh Mahal: Delhi voters
Chadha’s appeal underscores the need for a more compassionate approach to ensuring that religious and spiritual pursuits remain within the reach of every citizen, irrespective of their financial standing. It’s a call for fairness and empathy during one of the most important religious events in the country.