Wed Feb 19 15:42:37 UTC 2025: ## Akhilesh Yadav Takes Dig at Yogi Adityanath Over Name Changes After Kumbh Mela Criticism
**Lucknow, UP** – Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has targeted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, questioning whether the BJP government will now rename a cricketer following its controversial renaming of several cities and landmarks in the state. Yadav’s comment, posted on X (formerly Twitter), came in response to Adityanath’s defense of the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela, where he mentioned cricketer Mohammed Shami’s participation. Yadav’s sarcastic tweet, “Now, will you change the name of a cricketer too?” highlights the BJP’s policy of renaming locations, a move that has become a frequent target of online memes.
The controversy follows criticism of the Kumbh Mela’s organization by opposition parties. Opposition leaders have cited issues such as stampedes, extensive traffic jams, and high levels of fecal coliform in the river water. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee even labelled the event a “Mrityu Kumbh” (Kumbh of Death).
While Adityanath highlighted Shami’s presence at the Kumbh as evidence of inclusivity, it was actually cricketer Mohammad Kaif who had previously participated, posting a video of himself swimming in the Yamuna River in Prayagraj weeks before the Kumbh began.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari responded to the criticism, accusing opposition leaders Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi of “Hindu hatred” and claiming their absence from the Kumbh demonstrated their fear of “Sanatan’s unity.” The exchange underscores the ongoing political battle surrounding the Kumbh Mela and the BJP’s policy of renaming historical locations.
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