{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "CM Yogi Slams SP MP Over Remarks on Festivals, Says Those Opposing Indian Culture Live Full of Hypocrisy",
  "summary": "Addressing devotees at the Gomti riverfront in Lucknow during Chhath Puja, UP CM Yogi Adityanath strongly criticized SP MP SP Singh Patel for his remarks on Hindu festivals, highlighting major governance and security improvements since 2017.",
  "content": "Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the Sandhya Arghya ceremony of Chhath Puja on the banks of the Gomti River in Lucknow, delivering a comprehensive address on the state's cultural resurgence and improved law and order. Speaking to a large gathering of devotees, the Chief Minister mounted a strong counterattack against controversial comments made by Samajwadi Party MP SP Singh Patel from Pratapgarh regarding major Hindu festivals. Yogi Adityanath asserted that political leaders who find hypocrisy or discrimination in deep-rooted traditional celebrations like Durga Puja, Kanwar Yatra, and Chhath Puja are themselves living lives steeped in hypocrisy.\n\nStrong Rebuttal to Opposition Remarks on Sanatan Traditions\nHighlighting recent political statements, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the remarks made by Pratapgarh SP MP SP Singh Patel, who had questioned the significance of Durga Puja, Kanwar Yatra, and Chhath Puja. The Chief Minister stated that such viewpoints reflect an inherent hostility towards Indian culture and social harmony. He emphasized that targeting age-old Sanatan traditions and insulting public faith has become a habitual habit for certain political figures. He remarked that those who label sacred rituals as ostentatious are unable to appreciate the spirit of unity and devotion that these festivals foster across communities.\n\nTransformation of Uttar Pradesh: From Unrest to Grand Celebrations\nDrawing a sharp contrast with the governance before 2017, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath outlined how the atmosphere across Uttar Pradesh has undergone a complete transformation. He noted that prior to 2017, festival seasons were often marred by administrative negligence and fear of civil unrest, with previous governments failing to ensure basic amenities like ghat cleanliness, security, proper lighting, or smooth transport. In contrast, the state is currently experiencing a series of peaceful and grand celebrations. He cited the mega Deepotsav event organized in Ayodhya on November 7, followed by the seamless celebration of Dhanteras, Chhoti Deepawali, Deepawali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, and now the four-day Chhath festival.\n\nWidespread District Preparations and Public Participation\nSharing details of administrative readiness, the Chief Minister recalled a state-wide video conference he conducted four days prior to review Chhath Puja arrangements. During the review, officials reported massive public participation across all districts. In Varanasi alone, an estimated 20 lakh devotees gathered at the ghats, while Gorakhpur recorded the participation of around 16 lakh people. Similar extensive arrangements were reported from districts including Ghazipur, Ballia, Azamgarh, Mau, Deoria, Kushinagar, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Jaunpur, Chandauli, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar. Millions of mothers, sisters, and families have actively joined the rituals across the state.\n\nEnhanced Transport, Ghat Infrastructure, and Security Protocols\nTo facilitate smooth movement for millions of citizens traveling home for the festival, the state government directed the operation of additional state transport buses alongside special train services. Special attention was given to infrastructure at riverbanks, including thorough cleaning drives, the construction of additional temporary ghats, and the setup of ritual altars (vediyas). Addressing security concerns, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that robust police patrolling has been deployed for the overnight rituals and early morning offerings to the rising sun (Usha Arghya). He reiterated a stern warning that any attempt to compromise the safety and dignity of women during the festivities would invite severe administrative action.\n\nCultural Renaissance and Balancing Legacy with Progress\nUnderlining the cultural significance of the event in Lucknow, the Chief Minister highlighted that the local Bhojpuri community organized an 18-hour continuous musical performance dedicated to Chhathi Maiya, featuring 200 artists. He pointed out that such uninterrupted cultural gatherings were unthinkable before 2017 when disruptions were common. He concluded by asserting that modern Uttar Pradesh embodies a synthesis of security, development, and cultural heritage. According to the Chief Minister, heritage encompasses not only what is inherited from ancestors but also the safe, vibrant environment handed down to future generations.\n\nWhat this means for you\nStrengthened security protocols and enhanced transport arrangements during the festive season offer significant relief to millions of devotees and commuters.\n\n• In Uttar Pradesh: Comprehensive cleaning of river ghats, creation of extra altars, and round-the-clock police patrolling ensure a safe environment for worshippers. Enhanced night security specifically safeguards women and families attending late-night rituals.\n• Across India: The deployment of special trains and additional bus services facilitates smooth travel for migrant workers and families returning to North India for Chhath Puja. Commuters experience reduced travel friction during high-demand festival days.\n• For Cultural Artists: Dedicated platforms featuring 18-hour non-stop performances by 200 artists provide a major boost to regional folk traditions and Bhojpuri culture. Local performers gain valuable national exposure and institutional support.\n• For General Public: Improved administrative oversight and law enforcement maintain civic order and communal harmony during major gatherings. Citizens can participate in large-scale public celebrations with heightened confidence.\n\nWhy this happened\nThis political controversy and administrative response arose following critical remarks made by an opposition MP regarding traditional Hindu festivals.\n\n• Controversial Statements: Samajwadi Party MP SP Singh Patel from Pratapgarh made public comments questioning rituals associated with Durga Puja, Kanwar Yatra, and Chhath Puja.\n• Executive Counterattack: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath utilized the public platform at the Gomti riverfront in Lucknow during Chhath celebrations to strongly rebut the MP's remarks.\n• Administrative Review: Prior to the event, state-wide reviews revealed expected turnouts of 20 lakh in Varanasi and 16 lakh in Gorakhpur, necessitating extensive public management.\n• Post-2017 Policy Shift: The Uttar Pradesh administration has consistently prioritized cultural preservation, public safety, and infrastructure upgrades for major religious and civic festivals.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. On what occasion did CM Yogi Adityanath deliver his speech in Lucknow?\nChief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the public during the Sandhya Arghya ceremony of Chhath Puja on the banks of the Gomti River in Lucknow.\n\n2. What prompted CM Yogi's strong response against the SP MP?\nSamajwadi Party MP SP Singh Patel from Pratapgarh made controversial remarks criticizing Durga Puja, Kanwar Yatra, and Chhath Puja, which Yogi Adityanath termed as hypocrisy and hostility toward Indian culture.\n\n3. How many devotees were expected to participate in Chhath Puja in Varanasi and Gorakhpur?\nAdministrative reviews estimated that around 20 lakh devotees in Varanasi and nearly 16 lakh in Gorakhpur would participate in the Chhath Puja rituals.\n\n4. What transport arrangements were made for the festival period in UP?\nThe state administration arranged additional buses and coordinated special train services to assist citizens traveling home for the festival.\n\n5. What cultural event was organized on the banks of the Gomti River in Lucknow?\nThe Bhojpuri community organized an 18-hour continuous Bhojpuri music programme featuring performance by 200 local artists.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/uttar-pradesh/chhatha-parva-para-cm-yogi-ka-sp-mp-para-tikha-hamala-bole-snskriti-aura-tyoharon-ka-apamana-karane-valon-ka-jivana-pakhnda-se-bha-60154",
  "category": "Uttar Pradesh",
  "publishedAt": "2026-11-15",
  "tags": [
    "Yogi Adityanath",
    "Chhath Puja",
    "SP Singh Patel",
    "UP Politics",
    "Lucknow Gomti Ghat",
    "Sanatan Culture"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia",
  "whatItMeansForYou": "Strengthened security protocols and enhanced transport arrangements during the festive season offer significant relief to millions of devotees and commuters.\n\n• In Uttar Pradesh: Comprehensive cleaning of river ghats, creation of extra altars, and round-the-clock police patrolling ensure a safe environment for worshippers. Enhanced night security specifically safeguards women and families attending late-night rituals.\n• Across India: The deployment of special trains and additional bus services facilitates smooth travel for migrant workers and families returning to North India for Chhath Puja. Commuters experience reduced travel friction during high-demand festival days.\n• For Cultural Artists: Dedicated platforms featuring 18-hour non-stop performances by 200 artists provide a major boost to regional folk traditions and Bhojpuri culture. Local performers gain valuable national exposure and institutional support.\n• For General Public: Improved administrative oversight and law enforcement maintain civic order and communal harmony during major gatherings. Citizens can participate in large-scale public celebrations with heightened confidence.",
  "whyItHappened": "This political controversy and administrative response arose following critical remarks made by an opposition MP regarding traditional Hindu festivals.\n\n• Controversial Statements: Samajwadi Party MP SP Singh Patel from Pratapgarh made public comments questioning rituals associated with Durga Puja, Kanwar Yatra, and Chhath Puja.\n• Executive Counterattack: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath utilized the public platform at the Gomti riverfront in Lucknow during Chhath celebrations to strongly rebut the MP's remarks.\n• Administrative Review: Prior to the event, state-wide reviews revealed expected turnouts of 20 lakh in Varanasi and 16 lakh in Gorakhpur, necessitating extensive public management.\n• Post-2017 Policy Shift: The Uttar Pradesh administration has consistently prioritized cultural preservation, public safety, and infrastructure upgrades for major religious and civic festivals.",
  "questionsAndAnswers": [
    {
      "question": "On what occasion did CM Yogi Adityanath deliver his speech in Lucknow?",
      "answer": "Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the public during the Sandhya Arghya ceremony of Chhath Puja on the banks of the Gomti River in Lucknow."
    },
    {
      "question": "What prompted CM Yogi's strong response against the SP MP?",
      "answer": "Samajwadi Party MP SP Singh Patel from Pratapgarh made controversial remarks criticizing Durga Puja, Kanwar Yatra, and Chhath Puja, which Yogi Adityanath termed as hypocrisy and hostility toward Indian culture."
    },
    {
      "question": "How many devotees were expected to participate in Chhath Puja in Varanasi and Gorakhpur?",
      "answer": "Administrative reviews estimated that around 20 lakh devotees in Varanasi and nearly 16 lakh in Gorakhpur would participate in the Chhath Puja rituals."
    },
    {
      "question": "What transport arrangements were made for the festival period in UP?",
      "answer": "The state administration arranged additional buses and coordinated special train services to assist citizens traveling home for the festival."
    },
    {
      "question": "What cultural event was organized on the banks of the Gomti River in Lucknow?",
      "answer": "The Bhojpuri community organized an 18-hour continuous Bhojpuri music programme featuring performance by 200 local artists."
    }
  ]
}