NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Bihar’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accusing its leaders of disrespecting India’s cultural heritage and faith. Speaking at a rally in Bhagalpur, Bihar, PM Modi criticized RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s recent remarks on the Maha Kumbh, saying, “The people of Jungle Raj have a problem with our heritage. Those rattled by the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya are now abusing the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.”
Highlighting the significance of the ongoing Maha Kumbh, the Prime Minister noted that “more people than the entire population of Europe have taken a dip in the sacred waters.” He condemned the opposition for belittling such a grand event, stating that “Bihar will never forgive these people.”
Lalu Yadav’s ‘Useless’ Remark on Kumbh Sparks Political Storm
PM Modi’s comments came in response to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, who recently dismissed the Maha Kumbh as “useless” while blaming the Indian Railways for the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which claimed at least 18 lives. When asked about crowd management suggestions for the Maha Kumbh, Lalu Yadav reportedly said, “Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai. Faaltu hai Kumbh.” (Kumbh has no meaning. Kumbh is useless.)
Opposition Leaders Criticize Maha Kumbh, BJP Hits Back
The controversy over the Maha Kumbh has intensified, with multiple opposition leaders making critical remarks. On Sunday, PM Modi doubled down on his attack, stating that leaders with a “slave mentality” continue to target Hindu traditions. He accused a section of political figures of “mocking and ridiculing” Hinduism while attempting to weaken India with foreign backing.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took a dig at Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, calling the Maha Kumbh “Mrityu Kumbh” (Death Kumbh) and alleging mismanagement. She claimed there was a lack of proper arrangements for attendees and raised concerns over inadequate planning by the administration.
Following Mamata Banerjee’s remarks, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav echoed similar concerns, questioning the “inadequate preparations” for the grand spiritual gathering in Prayagraj.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also took aim at the ruling party, targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his Maha Kumbh visit. Kharge claimed that “Shah’s dip in the Ganga won’t remove poverty,” and accused BJP leaders of “competing with each other to take a holy dip just for the sake of cameras.” However, he later clarified that he did not intend to hurt anyone’s “aastha” (faith).
PM Modi: Maha Kumbh a Symbol of Unity and Faith
Defending the Maha Kumbh, PM Modi emphasized that the event is a “symbol of unity” and a testament to India’s rich spiritual traditions. He asserted that the grand gathering would “continue to inspire future generations” and warned that those who undermine faith and heritage will face the people’s verdict.
As the political discourse over Maha Kumbh intensifies, it remains a focal point in the ongoing clash between the BJP and opposition parties ahead of the elections.
