Maharashtra: Non-Hindus must not be allowed to set up shops at Nashik Kumbh Mela, says Nitesh Rane

Maharashtra minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nitesh Rane on Thursday demanded that non-Hindus should not be allowed to set up shops at the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik, ANI reported.

The Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha is a Hindu religious congregation held every 12 years in the district. The next congregation will begin in the district in October 2026. It is one of the four Kumbh Melas celebrated across the country.

Speaking to reporters in Nashik on Thursday, the state fisheries minister said that the Kumbh Mela is a festival of faith, The Times of India reported.

“All those who do not have faith in Hindu beliefs should not benefit from the mela,” Rane said. “The seers and the people, in general, should be aware of not entertaining such people during the fair.”

#WATCH | Nashik, Maharashtra: On the upcoming Kumbh Mela, State Minister Nitesh Rane says, "From the Hindutva perspective, this is a huge festival for us. During such a festival, no one except members of the Hindu community should be allowed to set up shops... For those who… pic.twitter.com/2Ryebaa23M

— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2025

The BJP leader urged Hindus to be vigilant and not let people from outside the community set up shops and business using “Hindu-sounding names”.

Rane contended that this matter pertained to the sentiments of the Hindu...

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