West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised concerns about the alleged mismanagement of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, calling it a “Mrityu Kumbh” or “Death Kumbh” due to the lack of adequate arrangements and planning. Speaking in the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday, Banerjee criticized both the central government and the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their failure to properly manage the religious event.
Mamata Banerjee’s Critique of Maha Kumbh Management
Mamata Banerjee expressed her respect for the Maha Kumbh Mela and the holy Ganga, but she pointed out that the event has turned into a tragic spectacle due to poor planning and organization. She questioned the management’s readiness for the massive crowds attending the event, especially the lack of facilities for the less privileged attendees.
Banerjee emphasized that while the rich and VIPs have access to exclusive accommodations, such as Rs.1 lakh-per-night tents, there are no proper arrangements for the common people attending the Mela. She raised concerns about the stampede-like situations that are common in such mass gatherings, urging the government to make better preparations to avoid these dangerous situations. Her remarks were a direct attack on the Uttar Pradesh government, accusing them of neglecting the safety and well-being of the public.
Political Clash with BJP and Allegations of Divisive Politics
During her speech, Mamata Banerjee also took the opportunity to address ongoing political tensions with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She challenged the BJP to prove allegations that she had connections with Bangladeshi fundamentalists. Banerjee boldly declared that she would resign from her position if the BJP could substantiate these claims.
Banerjee further criticized the BJP for using religion to further its political agenda, accusing the party of fostering hatred and dividing the people. She also expressed her discontent with BJP members who she claimed were spreading divisive rhetoric, under the guise of political freedom.
Suvendu Adhikari’s Allegations Against Mamata Banerjee
On the other hand, Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, also took to the floor on Saturday, accusing Mamata Banerjee of being directly responsible for the rise of anti-national activities in certain parts of the state. Adhikari alleged that areas in Bengal had witnessed an influx of illegal immigrants, including Bangladeshis, Rohingyas, and extremists, a situation that he attributed to the state government’s failure.
Adhikari’s remarks were aimed at questioning Banerjee’s handling of law and order as the Home Minister, suggesting that demographic changes in some areas were indicative of her government’s incompetence in preventing illegal immigration. He also pointed out that several such arrests had been made in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir in recent months, further raising suspicions about the situation in West Bengal.
BJP Protests and Allegations of Appeasement
The BJP has long accused Mamata Banerjee of allowing illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingya migrants to settle in West Bengal, a claim that gained traction during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign. In response, BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have targeted Banerjee’s government for allegedly engaging in appeasement politics.
In a show of dissent, a group of BJP legislators, led by Suvendu Adhikari, staged a sit-in protest at the West Bengal Assembly premises on Tuesday. They raised slogans accusing the state government of failing to address the alleged vandalism of religious idols and pandals, further highlighting the political rift between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the opposition BJP.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee criticized the lack of proper planning at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, calling it a “Mrityu Kumbh.”
- She condemned the Uttar Pradesh government for its failure to provide adequate facilities, especially for the poor and common attendees.
- Banerjee challenged the BJP to prove allegations regarding her alleged connections to Bangladeshi fundamentalists.
- Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition, accused Mamata Banerjee’s government of enabling illegal immigration and failing to maintain law and order.
- BJP lawmakers protested in the state assembly, accusing Mamata Banerjee’s government of appeasement politics and mishandling of religious sentiments.
