Saints and seers gathered at the Triveni Sangam for the ‘Amrit Snan’ on the occasion of Basant Panchami on Monday cautioned political leaders against misusing Sanatan Dharma and spreading rumours for political gain, and praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over arrangements at the Maha Kumbh.

They also took a firm stand against those criticising the Maha Kumbh after the January 29 stampede. The pre-dawn crush during the Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya had resulted in the death of 30 pilgrims and injuries to 60 others. While police said it was due to overcrowding at the Sangam, some people, including opposition leaders, questioned the arrangements to handle the sea of devotees at the gathering.