KOLKATA: BJP leader and veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty has strongly refuted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s comments on the Maha Kumbh, asserting that her statements are misleading. He emphasized that nearly 70 crore devotees have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, showcasing the profound significance of Sanatana Dharma.
“What she is saying is incorrect. Seventy crore people have come here and taken a holy dip—how can that be false? People have witnessed the power of Sanatana Dharma,” Chakraborty stated.
His response comes after Mamata Banerjee questioned the claim that the Maha Kumbh occurs once every 144 years, calling it inaccurate. “This is not true. If I am wrong, correct me. As per my knowledge, the Punya Snan (holy dip) happens every year. We also organize the Gangasagar Mela, so I am familiar with the tradition of the holy dip,” she said.
Earlier, Banerjee stirred controversy by referring to the ongoing Maha Kumbh as ‘Mrityu Kumbh’ (Death Kumbh), criticizing the arrangements for the event. “I respect the Maha Kumbh and Ganga Maa, but there is no proper planning. How many people have lost their lives? How many have been recovered?” she questioned.
On Tuesday, the West Bengal CM clarified her remarks, stating that her concerns were about the event’s preparations rather than the pilgrims themselves. She urged the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Yogi Adityanath, to provide compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede at Maha Kumbh 2025.
“I never disrespected the pilgrims taking a holy dip—I respect them. My concern is about the system and planning. Without proper arrangements, people suffer. I appeal to the Yogi government to compensate the families of those who died in the Maha Kumbh stampede,” she stated.
