West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s “Mrityu Kumbh” comment on the recent Maha Kumbh stampede in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj has ignited a political firestorm. While BJP leaders condemned her remarks, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the 46th Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand, supported her concerns, criticizing the event’s organizers for mismanagement.
Mamata Banerjee Slams Maha Kumbh Mismanagement
During a Bengal Assembly session, Mamata Banerjee expressed her dismay over the tragic stampede at Maha Kumbh, which claimed 30 lives on January 29. She cited additional issues such as massive traffic jams, poor crowd management, and water contamination, blaming the administration for poor planning.
“This is ‘Mrityu Kumbh’… I respect Maha Kumbh, I respect the holy Ganga Maa. But there is no planning. How many of the deceased have been recovered?” Banerjee questioned, pointing to the dire circumstances surrounding the religious event.
Shankaracharya Supports Criticism of Maha Kumbh Arrangements
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati echoed Banerjee’s concerns, accusing the authorities of gross mismanagement.
“There was a 300-kilometer-long traffic jam. If this is not mismanagement, then what is? People had to walk 25-30 km with their luggage. The water meant for bathing is mixed with sewage, making it unfit for a holy dip,” the Shankaracharya said.
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He further criticized the government for failing to take adequate measures despite knowing about the Maha Kumbh 12 years in advance. “False propaganda was spread. Crowd management and hospitality principles were not followed. Even when people died, they tried to hide it. This is a grave crime. If someone calls it ‘Mrityu Kumbh,’ how can we oppose it?” he added.
BJP Slams Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Mrityu Kumbh’ Remark
BJP leaders swiftly retaliated against Banerjee’s remarks, accusing her of disrespecting Hindu traditions. BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari labeled her comment as “anti-Sanatan and anti-Hindu.”
“Akhilesh Yadav was looking for Akbar in Maha Kumbh, Rahul Gandhi has still not visited Maha Kumbh… The opposition is afraid of Sanatan unity, and their Hindu hatred is evident,” Bhandari said, targeting key opposition leaders.
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Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, national general secretary of the Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti, suggested that Banerjee’s remarks could backfire politically. “The upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal will prove to be a ‘Mrityu Kumbh’ for your political career,” he warned.
Maha Kumbh Stampede Tragedy and Allegations
The January 29 Maha Kumbh stampede left 30 dead, with opposition leaders alleging that the real toll is much higher. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had earlier criticized the UP government’s failure in handling the event, citing inadequate crowd control measures and poor infrastructure.
With the Maha Kumbh controversy escalating, political and religious leaders continue to spar over accountability, highlighting the intersection of faith, governance, and electoral politics in India.
