Venkaiah Naidu Declines to Comment on Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Mrityu Kumbh’ Remark

Political Controversy Erupts Over West Bengal CM’s Comments on Maha Kumbh 2025

Naidu Refrains from Political Remarks as BJP Leaders Slam Mamata Banerjee

A fresh political controversy has erupted after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee referred to the Maha Kumbh 2025 as “Mrityu Kumbh,” drawing criticism from various quarters. While several BJP leaders strongly condemned her remarks, former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu chose to stay away from the political row.

During his visit to Prayagraj on Tuesday, Naidu was asked about Banerjee’s controversial statement. However, he refrained from commenting, stating,

“I don’t want to make any comment on such political statements. They are all political in nature. I am not in politics, and moreover, this is not the occasion to settle political scores. Everybody should join, take part in this holy occasion, and pray for the welfare of the people, humanity, and the nation.”

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Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Mrityu Kumbh’ Remark Sparks Outrage

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee stirred controversy during a recent address in the State Legislative Assembly, where she criticized the arrangements for Maha Kumbh 2025. Referring to the stampedes in Prayagraj (January 29) and at New Delhi Railway Station (February 15), she called the religious gathering “Mrityu Kumbh” (Death Kumbh).

Her remarks triggered protests by BJP leaders, with Suvendu Adhikari leading the opposition within the West Bengal Assembly. He urged the Hindu and saint communities to raise their voices against what he called an “attack on Hinduism and Maha Kumbh.”

“I appeal to the Hindu and saint community to register a strong protest. A little while ago, on the floor of the House, Mamata Banerjee said this is not Maha Kumbh but ‘Mrityu Kumbh.’ This is an insult to our faith,” said Suvendu Adhikari.

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BJP Leaders Slam Mamata Banerjee for ‘Anti-Religious’ Remarks

Several BJP leaders criticized Banerjee for her “politics of appeasement” and accused her of mocking Sanatan Dharma.

BJP leader Gaurav Vallabh said:

“The Chief Minister of a state calls the great festival of Sanatan Dharma ‘Mrityu Kumbh.’ This only exposes her appeasement politics.”

Meanwhile, BJP leader Aparna Yadav expressed disappointment over Banerjee’s comments, calling them “anti-religious politics” and urging opposition parties to stop mocking Hindu traditions.

“I feel very sad to hear such things. How long will opposition leaders continue mocking Sanatan Dharma and its traditions? A large number of people from West Bengal are attending Maha Kumbh. Despite being such a senior leader, Mamata ji should avoid making such statements that hurt the sentiments of millions of people,” Aparna Yadav said.

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Lalu Prasad Yadav Also Makes Controversial Comment

Adding fuel to the fire, former Union Railway Minister and RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav also made a dismissive comment about the Maha Kumbh.

When asked about crowd management during the event, he responded:

“Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai. Faaltu hai Kumbh.” (Kumbh has no meaning. Kumbh is useless.)

His remarks further sparked reactions, with BJP leaders calling it “disrespectful” to a sacred tradition.”

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Conclusion

As political tensions escalate over Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Mrityu Kumbh’ comment, the debate surrounding religious sentiments and governance intensifies. While BJP leaders demand an apology, Banerjee and her party remain firm in their stance, citing safety concerns at the Maha Kumbh.

With the Maha Kumbh 2025 underway and millions of devotees gathering in Prayagraj, this controversy has once again brought politics and religion into the national spotlight.