Ziaur Rahman Barq on Mahakumbh 2025: A recent decision by the All India Akhada Parishad regarding the 2025 Mahakumbh has sparked a heated debate.
The Parishad’s announcement to restrict non-Sanatani shopkeepers, including Muslims, from setting up stalls at the Mahakumbh venue has drawn criticism from various quarters. Samajwadi Party MP Ziaur Rahman Barq from Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, strongly opposed the move, cautioning that it could fuel tension between communities.
Barq’s strong reaction against Akhada Parishad’s decision
MP Ziaur Rahman Barq expressed deep concern over the Parishad’s decision to bar Muslim vendors from participating in the upcoming Mahakumbh. He urged the government to act against those promoting such divisive actions. “If Muslims are excluded from the Mahakumbh, it will only lead to similar actions at Muslim religious gatherings. We don’t want this,” he stated. Barq called for swift government intervention to prevent what he described as a dangerous trend.
Appeal to UP government for action
Barq emphasized the need for the Yogi Adityanath-led government to intervene and take strict measures against such directives. He warned that allowing one community to exclude another could set a precedent, leading to similar retaliatory actions. “If this continues, tomorrow Muslim gatherings could also ban Hindu participation. This is not the path we should be taking,” he said.
Concerns over constitutional violation
The MP criticized what he viewed as a disregard for the Indian Constitution. “It is unfortunate that such divisive attitudes persist in our society,” Barq stated, expressing disappointment in the government’s silence on the matter. He claimed that the lack of action indicates tacit support for communal divides, which contradicts constitutional values. “If the government truly respects the Constitution, it must act decisively to stop such practices,” he added.
Warning of potential repercussions
Barq cautioned that if these exclusionary practices continue, they could quickly spread beyond the Mahakumbh. “Brotherhood within our communities is essential. If traditions like these become normalized, then restrictions will emerge on both sides. Today it is Hindu society starting this; tomorrow, it could be Muslim society,” he noted. He urged immediate corrective action to prevent further divisions.
