‘144-Year Hype’: Mamata Belittles Maha Kumbh Again, Faces Backlash

New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has once again found herself at the center of controversy after belitting the Maha Kumbh, questioning claims that it is taking place after 144 years. Her comments, which come amid a massive religious gathering in Prayagraj, have triggered widespread backlash, with many accusing her of disrespecting Hindu traditions. 

"The Maha Kumbh takes place every 12 years. Those claiming it is happening after 144 years are incorrect. It was held in 2014, as far as I know. The claim that Kumbh is happening after 144 years is not true,” Banerjee said on Tuesday. 

Also Read: Mamata Banerjee's Shocker: Maha Kumbh Has Turned Into ‘Mrityu Kumbh’

This isn’t the first time the TMC supremo has made remarks that angered Hindu seers and religious leaders. Earlier, she faced outrage for branding the Maha Kumbh as “Mrityu Kumbh” (Death Kumbh) following a tragic stampede on January 29 that claimed at least 30 lives and left 60 injured. 

While she later attempted to calirfy that her criticism was aimed at the Uttar Pradesh government’s handing of the event, her words have already fueled tensions. 

This isn’t the first time Banerjee has made remarks that angered Hindu seers and religious leaders. 

Earlier, she faced outrage for branding the Maha Kumbh as “Mrityu Kumbh” (Death Kumbh) following a tragic stampede on January 29 that claimed at least 30 lives and left 60 injured. While she later attempted to clarify that her criticism was aimed at the Uttar Pradesh government’s handling of the event, her words have already fueled tensions.  

BJP Slams Mamata  

The BJP has strongly condemned Banerjee’s statements, accusing her of insulting Hindu beliefs and urging saints to organize mass protests across West Bengal. Religious leaders have also slammed her remarks, with Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Arun Giri of Panch Dashnam Aavahan Akhara accusing her of turning Bengal into a hostile place for Sanatan Dharma.  

Also Read: Massive Protest in Bengal Over Mamata Banerjee's 'Mrityu Kumbh' Remark

“Mamata Banerjee should focus on her state rather than attacking Hindu traditions. She has repeatedly disrespected our religious sentiments, said Mahant Rajendra Das, president of Nirmohi Ani Akhara, demanding a public apology from the Chief Minister.  

Banerjee has also tried to draw comparisons between Maha Kumbh and Bengal’s Ganga Sagar Mela, claiming that VIP culture was dominant in Uttar Pradesh, where the poor were denied access to basic facilities.