• By Nidhi Giri
  • Wed, 26 Feb 2025 08:33 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sparked another controversy after she claimed that Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, recognised as the world’s largest religious gathering, is “not taking place after 144 years." This follows Mamata Banerjee’s remark accusing the Uttar Pradesh government of mishandling the Mahakumbh Mela, alleging that the event has turned into "Mrityu Kumbh." In response to Banerjee’s statement, the BJP legislators referred to her as a ‘Hindu virodhi mukhyamantri’ (anti-Hindu chief minister). They stated that the purported insult to the Mahakumbh would not be accepted by the Indian people.

“The Mahakumbh takes place every 12 years. Those claiming it is happening after 144 years are incorrect. It was also held in 2014, as far as I know. The claim that Kumbh is happening after 144 years is not true," CM Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday.

The BJP sharply responded to Banerjee’s remark, alleging that her “selective scepticism exposes her anti-Hindu political agenda."

“Her repeated misleading statements appear to be politically motivated and an attempt to undermine and belittle the holy events of Sanatan Dharma, which is also influenced by her appeasement brand of politics," said West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari.

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Mamata Backpedals On ‘Mrityu Kumbh’ Row

Addressing the “Mrityu Kumbh" row, CM Mamata Banerjee said that her remarks were not directed at the pilgrims but at the lack of proper planning and preparation for the event.

“I never said about pilgrims who took a holy dip in Mahakumbh, I respect them. I’m talking about the system and preparation there. If there is no planning, people will suffer," CM Mamata Banerjee said.

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At least 30 people were killed and 60 were injured in a pre-dawn stampede at the Sangam area of the Mahakumbh on January 29 as crores of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of one of the most auspicious days of Mauni Amavasya.

Speaking at the West Bengal Assembly during the Budget session, she said, “Maha Kumbh has turned into ‘Mrityu Kumbh’. I respect Mahakumbh, and I respect the holy Ganga Maa. But there is no planning. How many people have been rescued?"

Following her remarks, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Arun Giri of Panch Dashnam Aavahan Akhara accused Banerjee of turning West Bengal into a “place hostile to Sanatan Dharma", saying that the West Bengal CM should focus on her state rather than criticising Uttar Pradesh.