West Bengal CM’s Statement on Maha Kumbh Sparks Outrage Among Political and Religious Leaders
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Insulting Hindu Faith
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal has strongly condemned West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remark referring to Maha Kumbh 2025 as “Mrityu Kumbh,” accusing her of insulting the faith of crores of Hindus.
“She has hurt the faith of crores of Hindus. This is not just a statement; it is an attack on Sanatan Dharma. Millions from across the world are participating in this sacred event. Every day, nearly 1.5 crore people are coming to Prayagraj to take a holy dip. From foreigners to celebrities, actors to common people—everyone is experiencing the same divine energy. Despite this, Mamata Banerjee is deliberately trying to provoke religious sentiments,” said Pal.
Pal also questioned Mamata’s own belief in Ganga Maiya, saying:
“If she truly believes in Ganga Maiya, why hasn’t Mamata Banerjee visited Maha Kumbh yet? Her statement is not just condemnable but also politically motivated.”
BJP’s Gaurav Vallabh: “Mamata’s Politics of Appeasement”
BJP leader Gaurav Vallabh also criticized Mamata Banerjee, calling her remark an insult to Sanatan Dharma.
“The Chief Minister of a state refers to Sanatan Dharma’s greatest festival as ‘Mrityu Kumbh.’ This only exposes her politics of appeasement. She is seeing an obstacle in her vote-bank politics and is trying to divert attention by making such statements,” Vallabh said.
Hanuman Garhi Priest Demands Apology from Mamata Banerjee
The controversy also drew criticism from religious leaders, including Mahant Raju Das of Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya.
Condemning Banerjee’s remarks, Mahant Raju Das questioned her silence on crimes in West Bengal while attacking the religious sentiments of Hindus.
“Mamata Banerjee calls Maha Kumbh ‘Mrityu Kumbh,’ but why is she silent on the killing of Hindus in West Bengal? Why does she not speak against the rapes happening in her state? She finds time to attack faith but not to address crimes and injustice. She must apologize to the Hindu community,” said Mahant Raju Das.
Mamata Banerjee’s Remarks Spark Protests
Earlier, during a speech in the West Bengal State Assembly, Mamata Banerjee strongly criticized the arrangements at Maha Kumbh 2025, pointing out stampedes on January 29 in Prayagraj and February 15 at New Delhi Railway Station.
However, her “Mrityu Kumbh” comment triggered protests, with BJP leaders, led by Suvendu Adhikari, staging demonstrations inside the West Bengal Assembly.
Adhikari urged Hindu communities and saints to protest against Mamata’s remarks, calling them an “attack on Hinduism and Maha Kumbh.”
Conclusion
With Maha Kumbh 2025 underway and millions of devotees arriving in Prayagraj, Mamata Banerjee’s remark has sparked a political and religious storm. While BJP leaders demand an apology, the West Bengal CM defends her concerns over public safety.
As the debate continues, the controversy has once again put the intersection of politics, religion, and governance in the national spotlight.