Mulayam takes 'Ashirvad' from Hindu saints

Ardh Kumbh Nagar (Allahabad), Jan 20: In a development which could have far reaching political implications, embattled Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav took blessings from representatives of 'Akharas' camping at the world famous Ardh Kumbh fair here today.

Interestingly, the saints were led by Mahant Gyan Das, the president of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), the coordinating body of the 13 akharas, who is also a sworn adversary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and BJP.

The CM flew to Allahabad this morning and reached the Triveni Sangam, confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers, to personally see the arrangements there. He later took a spiritual dip in the Sangam at the VIP ghat.

The CM's carcade then left for the camp of ABAP, also on the 7,000 acre Ardh Kumbh fair arena. After reaching the ABAP camp, Mr Yadav garlanded the representatives of 'akharas' seated on the stage.

While some representatives of the 'akharas' garlanded him, other saints capped his shoulders with a 'Ramnami' dupatta (scarf) or silken shawl and tied him with a turban also bearing the name of Lord Ram, which could well be suggestive of the new political equations in the wake of VHP's recent resolution to start construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya from this year only.

The biggest of the 13 'akharas', the Joona Akhara represented by ABAP general secretary Mahant Hari Giri, presented Mr Yadav with a 'rudraksha' chain.

''This rudraksha chain will not only help Mulayam remain the UP CM but also hekp him become the Prime Minister of the country,'' Mahant Hari Das maintained.

He also demanded that the UP government announce a special package for the 'akharas' on the lines of erstwhile Uma Bharti government in Madhya Pradesh and Congress government in Uttarakhand.

Showering their blessings on the Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo, other saints, including Darshan Muni Naga Baba termed Mulayam as ''faulad'', who could not be stopped even by a hurricane. ''Hum ab inhe kendra ki satta par kabiz dekhna chahte hain (we want to see him occupy the chair at the Centre),'' the Naga Baba added.

Thanking the saints for their generosity, Mr Yadav, in a lighter vein, remarked that seeking blessings from saints was a ''difficult task, but I got their 'Ashirwad' easily. I will now repay them with my public welfare initiatives.'' Mr Yadav also promised to change the face of Prayag before the next Kumbh in six years time.

The CM further assured he would announce a special package for the Akaharas before the last royal bathing on Basant Panchami (January 23), if the ABAP members came out with a concrete proposal by this evening.

The ABAP members, responding to the CM's call, said they would do so by the evening. ''The proposal, when accepted, will result in tax benefits to akharas during further Kumbh at Prayag, besides state finance devoted solely for the welfare of Akharas,'' Mahant Gyan Das said.

The occasion evoked the participation of all 'akharas' excepting the Awahan Akhara, which had boycotted two of three royal baths at the Ardh Kumbh, demanding separate time for their royal bathing in the Sangam.

The 'Akharas' present on the occasion, included the Panchayati Maha Nirvani, Bada Udasin, Atal, Anand, Agni, Nirmohi Ani, Digambar Ani, Joona and Nirvani Akharas.

UNI