Will invite Rahul Gandhi to Prayagraj Kumbh, says UP Deputy CM

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma on Thursday said that on behalf of the state government, he will invite Congress President Rahul Gandhi to visit Prayagraj during Kumbh Mela.

After naming the old city of Allahabad as Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh government is organising Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj from January 15. The government wants it to be a big success and for that, the deputy chief ministers are sent across the country for the event's publicity.

Sharma invited the Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani for the event on Thursday. "We want everyone to visit Prayagraj for the Kumbh Mela this year and that's why we are extending this invite to all in the government and everybody," said Sharma.

when asked if the invite will be extended to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi too, he said, "Yes, definitely. I would like to make an announcement. Rahul Gandhi's grandfather Feroz Gandhi's tomb is in Prayagraj, which Rahul has never visited. I urge Rahul Gandhi to visit Prayagraj for the Kumbh Mela and also perform puja at his grandfather's tomb. Rahul Gandhi is of the Dattatreya gotra, so I think he should visit the Kumbh Mela," said Sharma.

The UP government is not only endorsing the event but has also formed the Prayagraj Mela Authority for Kumbh Mela's smooth functioning. A new logo has also been designed for the Mela.

--IANS

desai/prs