Seers accuse Madhya Pradesh government of tardy Kumbh Mela work, seek PM Modi's help

DHAR (MP): A seers' body has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention in getting the "pending" works related to Simhastha Kumbh mela-2016 completed in time while accusing the Madhya Pradesh government of "lagging behind" schedule.

"On behalf of the 'Shatdarshan Sadhu Mandal', its president Pilot Baba has written a four-page letter to Prime Minister highlighting 10 points on the issue of Simhastha-2016 and sought an appointment with him. A total of 101 seers are waiting to meet Prime Minister," Narsinghdas Maharaj, the state secretary of the Mandal, said quoting from the letter today.

"The PM should intervene in Simhastha work and handover the entire work to his team of confidants," the seer said, adding that the government is "humiliating" them.

When contacted, Ujjain District Collector Kavindra Kiyawat refused to comment on the letter and also dismissed the allegations of slow pace of works.

"Our preparations are going on as per plan and we will complete all works related to Simhastha as per schedule. We will also welcome and give due respect to sadhus and saints as and when they arrive for the fair," he said.

Narsinghdas alleged that state government was "spying on Pilot Baba and tapping his phone".

"Seers used to arrive for the mela from 'Makar Sankranti' festival, but unfortunately nothing happened so far to provide them basic facilities," he alleged.

However, the collector clarified that the seers are yet to apply for allocation of plots for setting up their tents.

The officer said the basic infrastructure is ready and whenever they get the possession of the allotted land, facilities like power and water connections and whatever they need will be provided to them.

Quoting the letter, Narsinghdas said, "In the current scenario, it appears that neither chief minister, in-charge minister, Simhastha Mela Samiti chairman and nor state government officials are serious about making adequate preparations."

The religious congregation is slated to be held between April 22-May 21, 2016.