On a day when Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a holy dip in Sangam at Prayagraj, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took the unusual step of targeting the sacred act of a dip in the Ganga and said it would not help eradicate poverty. While a political storm of sorts was created for picking on Kumbh, many Congressmen wondered if Kharge was targeting because Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had taken a holy dip — a day before Amit Shah. His remarks that there was a competition among those taking Ganga dips simply showed he was perhaps more disappointed that leaders from the secular bloc like Akhilesh Yadav had made his way to Maha Kumbh. It is possible for Kharge to be worried about an ally like SP leader Akhilesh’s conduct, considering he is also teaming up with AAP in Delhi. Interestingly, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath asserted in a TV interview that he “hoped to see Khargeji” soon at Kumbh. After all, both Pandit Nehru and his daughter Indira Gandhi, as PMs, have had a Ganga dip during Kumbh. UP BJP leaders said Kharge’s remarks against Maha Kumbh and Ganga snan were bound to cast a shadow on the February 5 byelection. It was felt though Akhilesh Yadav did make some course corrections with a Ganga dip, much could have been lost. “…We hear many Congress leaders are also not happy with Kharge’s remarks,” says Rakesh Triparthi, UP BJP spokesperson. Many in the Bihar Congress also feel Kharge’s remarks could put off voters. “At least we must appreciate that Amit Shah did not go to Kumbh on a Shahi Snan day.” PM Modi is scheduled to visit Kumbh on February 5.