NEW DELHI: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath over the Maha Kumbh arrangements, alleging that the religious gathering in Prayagraj had turned into “Mrityu Kumbh” due to poor planning and mismanagement.
Criticizing the administration, Banerjee claimed there was a stark disparity in facilities provided for attendees. “I respect the Maha Kumbh and Maa Ganga, but there is no proper planning. How many people have been recovered? For the rich and VIPs, tents are available for as high as ₹1 lakh, while the poor are left without basic arrangements. A stampede-like situation is common in a ‘mela,’ but necessary preparations must be in place. What planning has been done?” she questioned, as quoted by ANI.
Her remarks drew sharp criticism from BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who urged the Hindu and saint communities to protest against her statement. “If you are a true Hindu, rise above politics and strongly oppose Mamata Banerjee’s words,” Adhikari said, calling her comments an “attack on Hindu beliefs and the Maha Kumbh.”
During an address in the West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday, Banerjee also targeted the BJP on various issues, including the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants from the US and the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh. She criticized the Centre for not taking proactive steps to bring back deportees. “I don’t usually comment on national security or foreign policy, but bringing back our people from the US in chains is shameful. The government should have sent transport planes to bring them back with dignity,” she asserted.
Dismissing allegations of links with Bangladeshi fundamentalists, Banerjee challenged the BJP to provide evidence. “If they can prove my connection with Bangladeshi fanatics, I will resign,” she declared. She also accused the BJP of exploiting religion for political gains and denounced claims linking her to the Muslim League.
Referring to a sit-in by BJP MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly, Banerjee dismissed their claims of being silenced. “Freedom of speech does not mean promoting communalism or instigating hatred against any religion. They are selling a particular religion for political gain,” she said.
She further accused BJP legislators of avoiding direct debates with her. “They are afraid to face me, which is why they walk out whenever I speak in the Assembly,” she remarked.
Earlier in the day, BJP MLAs, led by Suvendu Adhikari, staged a protest within the Assembly premises, accusing the Mamata Banerjee government of appeasement politics.
