Mamata Banerjee's 'Mrityu Kumbh' remark has been widely criticised by leaders across the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing her of disrespecting Hindu traditions and using inflammatory language for political gain.
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi on Wednesday strongly criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's description of the Mahakumbh Mela as "Mrityu Kumbh," accusing her and other INDI alliance leaders of harbouring disdain for Hindu Dharma.
"The INDI alliance leaders are constantly making condemnable comments on the Mahakumbh, which is a symbol of Indian culture's social harmony, spiritual excellence, and scientific authenticity," Trivedi said. "Mamata Banerjee's statement is also one example of this... This is an expression of the INDI alliance's hatred towards Hindu Dharma. Their opinions are not natural; they are part of a conspiracy."
The controversy erupted after Banerjee, addressing the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, criticised the organisers for inadequate arrangements at the Mahakumbh Mela following stampedes on 29 January at Prayagraj and 15 February at New Delhi railway station.
"This is 'Mrityu Kumbh'... I respect Maha Kumbh, I respect the holy Ganga Maa. But there is no planning... How many people have been recovered?" Banerjee said in the Assembly.
She also highlighted the disparity in facilities provided for the rich and the poor at the religious event.
"For the rich, the VIP, there are systems available to get camps (tents) for as high as Rs 1 Lakh. For the poor, there are no arrangements at Kumbh..." Banerjee asserted.
Also read: Mamata calls Maha Kumbh 'Mrityu Kumbh'
The West Bengal Chief Minister added, "Stampede situations are common in a 'mela' but it is important to make arrangements. What planning did you make?"
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also lashed out at Banerjee's remark, calling it "extremely low-grade language."
"West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has used extremely low-grade language. Mahakumbh is a fest of great faith, reverence and trust. Making such a comment is insulting Hindu Dharma. Her remark shows her mentality. This is the reason why people are losing their faith in organisations like hers. I hope people will teach more lessons to them in the future. I don't understand why Congress and its accompanying people have objections with Hindu Dharma. May the almighty give them wisdom and she should apologise," CM Yadav said.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also condemned the statement, asserting that it reflected a broader tendency within the opposition to disrespect Sanatan Dharma.
"It has become their nature to disrespect Sanatan. Sanatan Dharma has been flowing unstoppable for thousands of years like the river Ganga... Attacking people's faith, beliefs, and sentiments is a crime as well," Chouhan remarked.
Meanwhile, West Bengal BJP Vice President Jagannath Sarkar alleged that Banerjee's comment was part of a broader political ambition.
"Mamata Banerjee has always spoken against Hindus... She intends to turn West Bengal into Bangladesh. She is doing all this to be the Prime Minister... She has turned West Bengal into 'Mrityu Kumbh'. Maha Kumbh is a holy site, the arrangements are really good. A sudden incident happened but she said this to instigate people ahead of elections," Sarkar claimed.
The West Bengal Chief Minister is yet to respond to the sharp criticism from BJP leaders over her 'Mrityu Kumbh' remark.
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