By The Sampadak Express
In a sharp rebuke to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, BJP legislators staged a protest in the state assembly on Tuesday, accusing her of being an “anti-Hindu” leader. The protest came after Banerjee referred to the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela as a “Mrityu Kumbh” (Death Kumbh), criticizing the Uttar Pradesh government’s management of the religious event in Prayagraj.
Speaking in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Banerjee lambasted the Uttar Pradesh government, alleging mismanagement at the Kumbh Mela, where she claimed that VIPs were given preferential treatment, while the poor had to endure inadequate arrangements. She highlighted the disparity in services available to the wealthy and the struggles faced by the common people attending the event.“
Maha Kumbh has turned into ‘Mrityu Kumbh’. I respect the Maha Kumbh and the holy Ganga Maa, but there is no proper planning. For the rich and VIPs, camps are available for up to ₹1 lakh, while the poor face no arrangements. While stampedes are common at such events, proper planning is necessary. What arrangements have been made?” Banerjee said, targeting Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath’s administration.
Her comments sparked a strong response from the BJP, with opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari condemning Banerjee’s remarks. BJP MLAs raised slogans against the CM, donned in saffron turbans, and labeled her an “anti-Hindu chief minister.” The BJP leaders emphasized that such derogatory remarks about the sacred Maha Kumbh would not be tolerated by the people of India.
Banerjee also responded to the BJP’s allegations that she was linked to Bangladeshi fundamentalists, challenging the party to provide evidence. She stated that she would resign if the BJP could substantiate their claims. Additionally, she said she would raise the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over accusations from BJP MLAs regarding her alleged connections to extremist elements.
Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP IT Cell, intensified the attack, accusing Mamata Banerjee of showing contempt for Hinduism by calling the Maha Kumbh “Mrityu Kumbh.” Malviya claimed that Banerjee was under the influence of Firhad Hakim, a known supporter of Dawat-e-Islam, and accused her of undermining India’s religious and cultural traditions.“
Mamata Banerjee, influenced by Firhad Hakim, has once again shown her disdain for India’s cultural and religious practices. By calling the sacred Maha Kumbh ‘Mrityu Kumbh,’ she has launched an attack on one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimages, which has been attended by millions for centuries,” Malviya wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
He further accused Banerjee of appeasing her vote bank while being hostile to Hindu religious events, stating that she facilitated Eid gatherings, funded madrasas, and allowed unrestricted religious processions for extremists. He pointed out that Banerjee had previously attacked Hindu religious organizations like Bharat Sevashram Sangh, Ramakrishna Mission, and ISKCON.
The ongoing verbal battle between the BJP and Mamata Banerjee reflects growing tensions surrounding religious sentiments and governance in the state. The Maha Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu religious event, continues to be a flashpoint for political and ideological clashes.
