CM Mamata calls Maha Kumbh 'Mrityu Kumbh' after deadly stampede, Yogi Government under fire

 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a scathing attack on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the recent stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which resulted in tragic loss of life. Accusing the Yogi government of mismanagement, Banerjee called the event a "Mrityu Kumbh" (Kumbh of Death), alleging that VIPs were given priority over the common people, further fueling political tensions between the two leaders.

Mamata's strong condemnation

In an emotional outburst, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sharply criticized the Uttar Pradesh government over the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The stampede occurred on January 18, killing at least 30 people and injuring over 60, as millions of pilgrims gathered for the holy dip on the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya.

Speaking out against the event on February 18, Banerjee described the gathering as a "Mrityu Kumbh"(Kumbh of Death), in stark contrast to the traditional reverence associated with the Kumbh Mela. Banerjee didn’t mince her words, emphasizing that while VIPs and the rich were afforded luxurious arrangements, the poor were denied basic amenities. She called out the lack of planning and resources for the general public attending the event, who faced difficulties due to inadequate facilities.

"This is 'Mrityu Kumbh'. I respect Maha Kumbh and the holy Ganga Maa, but there is no proper planning. For the rich, there are camps worth Rs 1 lakh, but the poor have nothing," Mamata said. She also pointed to the failure of the authorities to provide proper relief and questioned why the government did not take more proactive measures to avoid such a tragedy.

CM Accuses Yogi Government of mismanagement and neglect

Banerjee also accused the Yogi Adityanath government of using religion as a political tool to divide the nation, saying that the government was "selling religion" for political gain. Her comments are likely to stoke further controversy, as the Maha Kumbh is one of India’s most revered religious events, drawing millions of Hindus from across the world. In a clear attempt to shift the narrative, RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav had previously labeled the event as "faaltu" (useless), adding fuel to the fire of political criticism.

The controversy escalated when the BJP leadership responded to Banerjee’s remarks, with Leader of Opposition in West Bengal’s Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, accusing the CM of targeting Hindus and their religious beliefs. He called Banerjee’s statement an attack on Hinduism, urging the community to protest her words. "I appeal to the Hindu and saint community to register a strong protest,"Adhikari said, intensifying the already heated political environment.

BJP hits back

The incident that sparked this uproar occurred during one of the busiest days of the Maha Kumbh Mela, when pilgrims rushed to take a holy dip in the Sangam area of Prayagraj. The deadly stampede is being seen as a failure of crowd management at one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. It has also raised questions about the preparedness and planning of the state government in managing such a massive event, drawing criticism from several quarters.

The controversy surrounding the Kumbh Mela stampede and the subsequent political fallout continues to dominate public discourse, with both political parties and religious leaders weighing in on the ongoing debate. The tragic incident has left many questioning the priorities of the Uttar Pradesh government and its commitment to ensuring the safety of devotees at such events.