Mismanaged Maha Kumbh Turned Into Mrityu Kumbh: Mamata Banerjee Slams UP Govt

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday criticised the Central Government and the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh Government over the deaths of devotees coming to Mahakumbh. West Bengal CM accused UP Government of mismanaging the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Banerjee expressed her concerns about the lack of planning and arrangements for attendees at the event.

"Maha Kumbh has turned into 'Mrityu Kumbh,'" Mamata Banerjee stated in her address. She emphasised her respect for the holy Ganga and the significance of Maha Kumbh but highlighted issues such as inadequate facilities for the poor compared to VIPs who could afford expensive tents. She questioned the planning efforts made by Yogi Adityanath's government.

BJP Allegations and Political Tensions

Mamata Banerjee also challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to substantiate claims linking her with Bangladeshi fundamentalists. She declared she would resign if these allegations were proven true. Furthermore, she planned to report to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his party members accusing her of collusion with extremists.

In response, Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, accused Mamata Banerjee of failing as a police minister. He claimed that anti-national activities were prevalent in certain areas of Bengal, citing recent arrests of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas by Assam and Jammu & Kashmir Police.

Protests by BJP Legislators

BJP legislators led by Suvendu Adhikari staged a protest at the West Bengal Assembly premises. They accused Mamata Banerjee's government of engaging in appeasement politics. The protesters chanted slogans against what they perceived as government negligence towards vandalism during Puja celebrations.