Actor Kishore slams 'Political' Kumbh Mela, asks ‘why should I be burdened with holy dips, melas’
Bengaluru: Popular multi-lingual actor Kishore Kumar Huli has made a post on social media questioning the need to participate in religious gatherings driven by political motives. Drawing from a childhood moral story about Lord Ganesha and Lord Karthikeya, the actor emphasized that true devotion lies in being present for one’s loved ones rather than seeking validation through rituals held under the garb of faith.
Kishore’s post comes in response to the widespread debate triggered by right-wing voices on social media, who have been calling out those who did not visit or attend the recently concluded Maha Kumbh Mela. The actor, known for his strong opinions on social and political issues, challenged the necessity of attending religious events that, according to him, place politics above human life.
In his post, Kishore recalled a childhood story where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had only one mango to give to their sons, Ganesha and Karthikeya. To decide who would receive it, they set a challenge—whoever could circle the world three times and return first would win the fruit. Karthikeya, swift and determined, mounted his peacock and set off on his journey around the world. Ganesha, however, simply walked around his parents, declaring, "You are my world; I don’t need to go anywhere else."
When Karthikeya returned after circling the globe three times, he was confronted with the truth—love, family, and devotion are not bound by physical journeys but by the bonds of the heart.
Kishore then applied the lesson to the present-day scenario, questioning whether his ideal should be Ganesha or Karthikeya. "When I am surrounded by those who gave me birth and my loved ones, when every drop of rain that falls on my head feels as sacred as the waters of the Ganges or the Cauvery, when every rain is like a holy dip, and every piece of land I step on is holy, why should I be burdened by the so-called holy dips and Melas that serve only political interests and do not value human life?" he wrote.
Accompanying his post, Kishore shared an image demonstrating the stark inequality at the Maha Kumbh Mela, where VIPs were treated with comfort and special arrangements, while the common man suffered immense hardships and inconveniences. The image highlighted how influential figures had access to sanitized, secure, and well-managed spaces, while ordinary devotees endured overcrowded areas, lack of hygiene, and logistical struggles.
By raising this point, Kishore called out the double standards in the way the event was organized, arguing that faith and devotion should not be segregated by class or privilege.
Kishore’s post comes amid an ongoing debate instigated by right-wing groups and social media influencers who have been questioning why certain celebrities, activists, and intellectuals did not attend the Maha Kumbh Mela. The event, which holds immense religious significance in Hinduism, was marred by logistical failures, overcrowding, and concerns over public safety. Critics argue that while the government promoted the event on a grand scale, little was done to address the struggles of common devotees.
While Kishore did not directly name any political party or group, his message was clear—religion should not be reduced to political optics, and true spirituality lies in compassion, equality, and the well-being of people rather than grand spectacles designed for show.
Kishore Kumar Huli is known for voicing his opinions on political and social matters. Unlike many in the film industry who choose to remain silent on sensitive topics, Kishore has repeatedly used his platform to raise concerns over governance, inequality, and societal issues. His views often put him at odds with right-wing factions, but they have also earned him respect among those who value independent thought and fearless expression.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
HC questions Delhi govt over failure to regulate sale of old vehicles, refers to Red Fort blast
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi High Court questioned the city government on Wednesday over its failure to regulate the sale and transfer of used vehicles, while pointing out that in a recent bomb blast near the Red Fort, a second-hand car was used, making the issue more significant.
A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela asked the Delhi government to file a detailed response on the issue of regulating authorised dealers of registered vehicles.
"A car changes four hands but the original owner has not changed. Therefore, what happens? That man (the original owner) goes to the slaughterhouse? What is this? How are you permitting this? You will take a call when two-three more bomb blasts take place?" the bench asked the Delhi government's counsel.
The bomb blast near the iconic Mughal-era monument was carried out using a second-hand car, making the issue even more significant, it said.
The court listed the matter for further hearing in January 2026.
ALSO READ: Nightclub fire: Goa court remands Luthra brothers in police custody for five days
The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) plea filed by an organisation, Towards Happy Earth Foundation, highlighting the challenges in the implementation of rules 55A to 55H of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, introduced in December 2022 to regulate authorised dealers of registered vehicles.
While the rules were intended to bring accountability to the second-hand vehicle market, the petitioner's counsel argued that they have failed in practice due to regulatory gaps and procedural hurdles.
The plea said there is a major gap in the amended framework, that is, the absence of any statutory mechanism for reporting dealer-to-dealer transfers.
"In reality, most used vehicles pass through multiple dealers before reaching the final buyer, but the rules recognise only the first transfer to the initial authorised dealer.
"As a result, the chain of custody breaks after the first step, defeating the very purpose of accountability," the petition said.
It added that because of these gaps, only a very small percentage of dealers across India have been able to obtain authorised dealer registration and in Delhi, not a single dealer has got it.
Consequently, lakhs of vehicles continue to circulate without any record of who is actually in possession of those, it said.
The plea said only a small fraction of India's estimated 30,000 to 40,000 used-vehicle dealers are registered under the authorised-dealer framework.
The petition also pointed out that the 11-year-old vehicle used in the November 10 bomb blast near the Red Fort was sold several times but was still registered in its original owner's name.
The blast near the Red Fort had claimed 15 lives.
