Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has stated he will hold discussions regarding a controversial demand to prohibit non-Hindus from entering the core areas of the upcoming Kumbh Mela. The demand was formally put forward by Shri Ganga Sabha president Nitin Gautam, citing existing bylaws.
The Demand and Historical Context
On Sunday, Nitin Gautam, who heads the sabha managing Har ki Pauri and surrounding ghats, referenced municipal laws dating back to 1935 that already restrict non-Hindu entry to the sacred Har ki Pauri site. He argued for extending this rule to the Kumbh Mela area, scheduled for January 2027 in Haridwar.
Gautam framed the request as a long-term cultural safeguard. He expressed concern that allowing entry to those with "little connection to our religion, culture, and sentiments" during one of Sanatan Dharma's largest festivals could lead to a loss. He emphasized the need for the space to be exclusively reserved for Hindus.
Government Response and Practical Hurdles
Responding to media queries, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue. He stated the government would review the governing acts and hold discussions with priest groups to formulate suitable proposals. He highlighted Haridwar's status as a central seat of Hinduism on the banks of the Ganga.
However, a source within the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) immediately pointed out significant practical challenges. They indicated that implementing such a ban would be highly impractical, primarily due to the massive influx of tourists from across India and the world that the Kumbh Mela attracts.
Political and Socio-Economic Repercussions
The proposal has drawn criticism from local Muslim leaders and raised concerns about its wider impact. Manglaur MLA Qazi Nizamuddin, while stating he respects the existing rule for Har ki Pauri, called a broader ban unworkable. He pointed out the sizable Muslim population in areas like Jwalapur within the municipal limits and the presence of many Muslim corporators.
Nizamuddin also suggested the controversy was an attempt to divert public attention from other issues, like the Ankita Bhandari case. The economic implications are substantial. Haridwar recorded 3.49 crore visitors in 2024, the highest in Uttarakhand. The Kumbh Mela is a major driver of employment and business. A blanket ban could severely affect livelihoods, especially for the region's many Muslim artisans, shopkeepers, and service providers.
This is not the first such incident. In 2024, three Muslim MLAs—Qazi Nizamuddin (Congress), Mohammad Shahzad (BSP), and Furqan Ahmed (Congress)—opted out of an event at Har ki Pauri after objections from the Shri Ganga Sabha based on the same 1935 laws.
