Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the sacred rituals of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday morning, taking a revered ‘holy dip’ at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Dressed in bright saffron, PM Modi joined millions of devotees who visit the site for spiritual purification during the ongoing event.

Before taking the ritual dip, the Prime Minister, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, embarked on a boat tour of the Sangam, observing the grand gathering of pilgrims and the ongoing festivities.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, which is the world’s largest spiritual gathering, holds immense significance for Hindus, drawing millions of devotees from across India and the world. As part of his commitment to the preservation of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, PM Modi has regularly participated in such events, reinforcing their importance on a global scale.

While the ritual is widely seen as a symbol of India’s rich spiritual traditions, some opposition leaders have raised concerns about the timing of the visit, given that it coincides with the ongoing Delhi elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj today, preparing to participate in one of the most revered rituals in Hinduism—the holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. According to his office, the PM is set to take the sacred dip at around 11 am.

As part of his long-standing commitment to preserving India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, the Prime Minister has continuously taken steps to enhance infrastructure and facilities at major pilgrimage sites across the country, said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Maha Kumbh 2025, which began on January 13, is the largest spiritual and cultural gathering in the world, drawing millions of devotees and visitors from across the globe. The festival will continue until Mahashivratri on February 26. During this period, many prominent political figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, have visited the site. The Mela has also attracted international personalities, such as Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Steve Jobs; Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin; and Hollywood actress Dakota Johnson.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is an event of immense religious significance, and PM Modi’s visit underlines the importance of this gathering not only to millions of Hindus but also to India’s cultural and spiritual identity.

The stage is set for the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, a crucial event that will determine the future of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has ruled the capital for the past two terms. With corruption allegations and political turmoil clouding their tenure, the Delhi elections have become more than just a contest for power—it’s a battle for the political survival of AAP.

1. AAP’s 10-year journey in Delhi politics

For the AAP, a loss in this election would mark a major setback for the party, which has established itself as a formidable political force over the past decade. Winning this election, however, would solidify the party’s position as a serious contender against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the national stage, showing resilience amid accusations and challenges.

2. The BJP’s campaign strategy

The BJP, which has been the opposition in Delhi for over a decade, is putting its faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s powerful election rallies and its extensive party machinery to secure a win. The party is hoping to capitalize on the widespread anti-incumbency sentiment and the corruption charges against the AAP government.

3. The Congress’ Push for a comeback

Meanwhile, the Congress, which has been a marginalized force in Delhi since AAP’s rise, is hoping for a resurgence. After years in the political wilderness, the party is looking to regain lost ground, though experts view their chances as slim compared to the fierce competition between AAP and BJP.

4. AAP’s troubles with corruption allegations

AAP’s tenure has been marred by serious allegations of corruption, especially in relation to the now-scrapped liquor policy. Several prominent leaders, including Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, have faced arrest, spending months in jail. Kejriwal, who had to step down as the Chief Minister for a while, has made it clear he won’t return to the post without a “certificate of honesty” from the people.

5. Tensions with the Lieutenant Governor

The AAP government has also been embroiled in repeated confrontations with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, particularly concerning the control over bureaucrats and governance matters. These tensions intensified after the Union government issued an ordinance, giving more power to the LG over the Delhi administration. The controversy has exacerbated AAP’s challenges, with the ruling party accusing the BJP-led Centre of undermining its authority.

6. Legal troubles for key AAP leaders

The arrest of key leaders, such as Sisodia and Kejriwal, has brought intense scrutiny to AAP’s political machinery. While Kejriwal’s time in jail lasted nearly six months, Sisodia spent over 17 months incarcerated. Several other party leaders, including Sanjay Singh and Satyendar Jain, have also faced legal issues, further tarnishing the party’s image.

7. AAP’s rise from the anti-corruption movement

Despite the challenges, AAP’s rise was initially fueled by its anti-corruption message, which resonated with Delhi’s electorate. Backed by the support of social activist Anna Hazare, the party’s first term in office was short-lived, but it managed a spectacular comeback in 2015 after Kejriwal apologized to the people of Delhi, pledging to serve a full term.

8. AAP’s model of governance

In its second term, AAP focused heavily on governance in areas like education and healthcare, which earned the party a reputation for delivering on public services. The success of its “Delhi Model” was highlighted by the party’s growth in other states, including a strong victory in Punjab. AAP’s national aspirations grew, and the party soon earned the label of a national player, challenging the BJP’s dominance.

9. BJP’s allegations against AAP’s “Revdi Culture”

Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly accused AAP of fostering a “revdi culture,” where the party hands out freebies to secure votes. Despite these claims, the AAP model, which focuses on essential services, has managed to win considerable support, particularly among lower-income voters.

10. The stakes for AAP and the BJP

With the 2025 Delhi election underway, the stakes are high. For AAP, a third consecutive victory would cement its place in Indian politics and prove its resilience in the face of mounting opposition. For the BJP, a win would signify its resurgence in the national capital, delivering a significant blow to the AAP’s political aspirations. For Congress, this election represents a final attempt to revive its dwindling influence in Delhi.

As polling day arrives, the eyes of the nation are on Delhi, where the future of its political landscape will be determined in the coming hours.