Maha Kumbh has turned into ‘Mrityu Kumbh’, says Mamata; BJP retaliates

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday (February 18) claimed that the Maha Kumbh has turned into ‘Mrityu Kumbh’ (Kumbh of death) in view of the recent incidents of stampede and alleged that the true death toll at the mega gathering has been suppressed.

Mamata alleged that while VIPs were being given special privileges, the poor were being denied access to essential facilities.

"This is Mrityu Kumbh. I respect Maha Kumbh, and I respect the holy Ganga Maa. But there is no planning. How many people have been rescued? For the rich and VIPs, there are systems in place to get tents for as much as ₹1 lakh. But for the poor, there are no arrangements at Kumbh," said the West Bengal chief minister.

Also Watch: Kumbh stampede survivor: ‘No transport, no food’

"Why did you overhype such a serious event? Proper planning should have been in place. How many commissions have been sent to Kumbh after the incident?" asked Mamata.

The chief minister also alleged that dead bodies were sent to Bengal (from the Kumbh) without even a post-mortem.

"They will claim people died of heart-attacks, and deny them compensation. We conducted the post-mortem here because you sent the dead bodies without death certificates. How will these people receive compensation," she questioned.

At least 30 people died and 60 were injured in a stampede in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj last month while 18 people lost their lives in a recent stampede at the overcrowded New Delhi railway station.

Also Read: Delhi stampede: What led to the tragedy? Witnesses, railways offer differing versions

“Maha Kumbh has turned into 'Mrityu Kumbh'. They (the BJP government) have hidden hundreds of bodies to bring down the toll,” Banerjee claimed while addressing the Bengal Assembly.

BJP retaliates

The BJP retaliated, condemning Mamata's remarks as an "attack on Hindus" and accusing her of harbouring "disdain and hostility" towards Hindu traditions.

Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP said, "I appeal to the Hindu community saint community to register a strong protest. Raise your voice against this attack on Hindus, on Maha Kumbh. If you are a true Hindu, rise above politics and strongly oppose these words of Mamata Banerjee.

Amit Malviya, head of BJP's IT cell and in-charge of West Bengal, said, "Mamata Banerjee never misses an opportunity to appease her vote bank. Yet when it comes to Hindu festivals and traditions, her attitude shifts to disdain and hostility. This is not an isolated incident."

‘BJP MLAs afraid to face me’

She also took a dig at the saffron party’s legislators, claiming, “The BJP MLAs are afraid of facing me and that’s why they boycott the House whenever I speak.”

Responding to accusations linking her to the Muslim League, Banerjee strongly condemned such remarks.

“I am accused of being a member of the Muslim League. I strongly condemn these baseless allegations,” she said.

Also Read: Kumbh stampede: Congress slams BJP, asks why govt not revealing 'actual death toll'

Reaffirming her commitment to secularism, she added, “I believe in secularism, coexistence, and the development of all communities.”

Dismisses allegations

Dismissing allegations that she has links with Bangladeshi extremists, Banerjee challenged the BJP to provide evidence.

“If the BJP can prove that I have any connection with terrorists or fundamentalists from Bangladesh, I will resign,” she added.

Mamata said she would write to Prime Minister Modi to complain about such claims made by "his MLAs".

"Freedom of speech doesn't allow them to give hate speech and divide people," Mamata stated, emphasising her belief in secularism, and the peaceful coexistence of all communities.

Also Read: Second stampede at Maha Kumbh claimed 7 lives: Report

Banerjee also credited her government for maintaining peace in Bengal despite the unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh.

“Despite the turmoil in Bangladesh, it is because of our government that peace and harmony have been maintained in Bengal,” she asserted.

The chief minister also accused the BJP of using religion for political gains, saying, "The BJP is using religion to serve their political interests".

(With agency inputs)