Alas, Dalit leader too thinks Indians must vote for very specifically practising Sanatani Hindus

Union minister Ramdas Athawale on 26 February, Wednesday claimed that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi "insulted" the Hindu community by not visiting the Maha Kumbh, and Hindu voters should boycott them.

Thackeray talks about Hindutva but did not participate in the ongoing Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj, said Athawale, a prominent Dalit leader from Maharashtra and a BJP ally.

"Thackeray and the Gandhi family have insulted Hindutva by not participating in the Maha Kumbh. Being Hindu and not attending the Maha Kumbh is an insult to the Hindus, and Hindus must boycott them," he told PTI Videos.

They should have taken part in the Maha Kumbh considering the people's sentiments, said the union minister of state for social justice.

"They always want Hindu votes, despite that they skipped Maha Kumbh. I think Hindu voters must boycott them," Athawale added.

Hindu voters did teach these leaders a lesson in the recently held elections, he further said, referring to the Maharashtra assembly elections of November 2024.

The 45-day Maha Kumbh at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj culminates on Mahashivratri.