Cong puts Mulayam govt in dock over 2007 Ardh Kumbh

Lucknow, Nov 4 (UNI) After urban local bodies poll, now Uttar Pradesh Congress has targeted the Mulayam Singh Yadav government for its alleged laxity in preparation of the 2007 Ardh Kumbh Mela at Allahabad in January.

AICC general secretary and UP in charge Ashokh Gehlot and state Congress president Salman Khurshid have written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to send adequate quantity of foodgrain for pilgrims during the mela.

In a letter sent to the PM yesterday, and released to the media today, the Congress leaders alleged UP government had not shown preparedness for the Ardh Kumbh, particulary in providing foodgrain and ration to devotees at reasonable rates.

Urging the PM for timely release of sufficient quantity of wheat, rice and sugar, they also demanded lowest possible rates be fixed for distribution of the commodities.

Mr Gehlot and Mr Khurshid said the centre should also ensure from the state government that the foodgrain sent for the purpose be used exclusively and only for the Ardh Kumbh.

''It is the state government's duty to make proper arrangements for the safety, security and well-being of pilgrims, which they have failed to achieve till now,'' the Congress leaders claimed.

The Ardh Kumbh, one of the largest religious festival in the world, is scheduled to be held at Allahabad in Jaunuary-February 2007, when an estimated 20 million people will take a dip in holy Sangam.

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