Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with all Shiv Sena MPs and MLAs, is set to visit Prayagraj on February 19 to take a holy dip at the Kumbh Mela. This significant move is being seen as an assertion of Hindutva politics, as Shinde’s faction aims to challenge Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena on ideological grounds.

The visit to the Kumbh comes as part of a broader strategy by the Shinde-led Shiv Sena to reinforce its Hindutva credentials, especially ahead of upcoming political challenges.

Simultaneously, the Maharashtra government has started preparing early for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh 2027, following the grand success of the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. In a high-level meeting attended by Shinde, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, plans for the upcoming Kumbh were discussed in detail.

After the meeting, Eknath Shinde revealed that he had spoken with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath about the successful execution of the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, which attracted millions of devotees. Shinde mentioned that Maharashtra would send a delegation to Prayagraj to learn from its management strategies.

“I have spoken to Yogi Adityanath, and he has assured me that Maharashtra’s team will be guided thoroughly. We aim to ensure that our Nashik Kumbh is well-organized and smooth for all devotees,” Shinde said.

The 2027 Nashik Kumbh Mela will mark the next significant event, with Simhastha Kumbh in Ujjain scheduled for 2028, and Prayagraj slated to host the Ardh Kumbh in 2030. Preparations for the Nashik Kumbh are already underway, with state agencies working to draft a comprehensive plan for its seamless execution.