Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s ‘Mrityu Kumbh’ (Kumbh of Death) remark has sparked widespread criticism. A political showdown erupted in the second week of this month following her controversial comments on the world’s largest gathering. She was referring to past stampede-related deaths and alleged crowd mismanagement at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The BJP has strongly reacted, accusing her of being hostile toward Hindus.

In a similar controversy, Mamata Banerjee—Chief Minister of Bengal, a state set to go to polls next year—has questioned the ‘144-year cycle‘ of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, further fueling political tensions.

What The Bengal CM Said

“Gangasagar happens every year. Kumbh happens once every 12 years. As far as I know, in the temple of Puri, the deity made of neem wood has many rules and regulations. As far as I know, the neem wood idol in the Puri temple is replaced once every 12 years. Every place has its own rules. So, those who say Kumbh happens after 144 years… it happened in 2013 as well, as far as I’ve heard. If I’m mistaken, please correct me,” Mamata Banerjee said.

“It is not correct to say that the Kumbh is happening after 144 years. You are controlling the media, and many people have died. Many families have been lost their lives in the stampede. I am not commenting on those who are taking a dip. Everyone has their own belief. I am not saying anything about the devotees. Religion is personal. Everyone believes what they believe. Saying that Kumbh happens after 144 years or happened 144 years ago is not correct. We request those who are knowledgeable to present the correct information,” Banerjee said.

BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari’s Reaction

Bengal Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari has hit back at Mamata Banerjee over her latest jibe at the Maha Kumbh Mela. Mocking her, he referred to her as someone with a “Master’s in Religious History.” He also shared excerpts on the Maha Kumbh and its auspicious 144-year cycle, tagging CM Mamata Banerjee, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, and various religious wings of the BJP.

Here’s What The BJP Leader Said

Hon’ble CM Mamata Banerjee who has a Master’s degree in “Religious” History; is asserting that the 144-year Mahakumbh cycle is “incorrect & hyped”. Historical records, astrological & astronomical science confirm its legitimacy.
Her repeated misleading statements appear to be politically motivated and an attempt to undermine and belittle the holy events of Sanatan Dharma, which is also influenced by her appeasement brand of politics.
As she is dismissing the 144-year cycle, then she also must be skeptical about the 12-year and 6-year cycles of Purna Kumbh and Ardha Kumbh Melas respectively. This selective skepticism exposes her anti-Hindu political agenda.

Anyways, as she is making a request to help her understand the scheduling of the Kumbh Melas, I have tried to gather some information about the Kumbh Melas in order to enlighten her:-

Mamata Banerjee’s Attack On Yogi Adityanath

Mamata Banerjee also criticized the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government, urging them to fulfill their promise of compensating the families of those who lost their lives during the religious gathering.

“It would be my demand to the Uttar Pradesh government, to Yogi Adityanath, that since they have announced ex-gratia for the families of those killed in Kumbh Mela, they must immediately release the amounts to them,” Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat.

“There are many (Kumbh pilgrims) who have died in accidents, or while attempting to board trains and they should all be compensated,” she said.

The Uttar Pradesh government announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh each for the families of people who lost their lives during the Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 and got end yesterday