BJP hits back at Mamata Banerjee over 'Mrityu Kumbh' remark

BJP MLAs in West Bengal protested against Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday, calling her an “anti-Hindu chief minister” over her “Mrityu Kumbh” remark about the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. Speaking in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Banerjee accused the Uttar Pradesh government of mismanagement at the event in Prayagraj. She claimed that while VIPs were given special treatment, the poor had no proper arrangements, referring to the gathering as a “Mrityu Kumbh. She emphasised the need for proper arrangements and questioned, "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?"

Kolkata: On #MahaKumbh2025, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, "This is 'Mrityu Kumbh'...I respect Maha Kumbh, I respect the holy Ganga Maa. But there is no planning...How many people have been recovered?...For the rich, the VIP, there are systems available to get camps (tents)… pic.twitter.com/6T0SyHAh0e

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2025

Following her speech, BJP MLAs raised slogans against Mamata Banerjee while wearing saffron turbans and said that the alleged insult to the Maha Kumbh would not be tolerated by the people of India. Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari, condemned Banerjee’s comments, saying such an insult to the event would not be tolerated.

মা সরস্বতীর অপমান আমরা মানবো না!

- @SuvenduWB , বিরোধী দলনেতা pic.twitter.com/k2Au8smxvv

— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) February 18, 2025

Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan termed Ms Banerjee's comment very unfair. Speaking to media in Prayagraj, Pawan Kalyan said,'I think the problem in the approach of our leadership is it is very easy to comment on Sanatana Dharma or Hindu Dharma. They don't do the same level of criticism for any other religion.' 

#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP: On West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's 'Mrityu Kumbh' remark for #MahaKumbh2025, Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan says, "I think that's a very unfair comment...I think the problem in the approach of our leadership is it is very easy to comment on… pic.twitter.com/e4DIL1xGNu

— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2025

Amit Malviya, BJP IT cell chief who is also in charge of West Bengal, alleged "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. Mamata Banerjee’s government has systematically undermined Hindu traditions," he further claimed.