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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee found herself embroiled in controversy after referring to the Maha Kumbh Mela as 'Mrityu Kumbh' (Kumbh of Death), a remark that drew sharp criticism from religious leaders and political opponents alike. The incident stemmed from a stampede during the Maha Kumbh, which resulted in the tragic loss of 30 lives. In the aftermath, Banerjee criticized the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh for alleged inadequate planning and arrangements, particularly for the poor and underprivileged pilgrims. Her initial statement, laden with concern for the safety of devotees and accusations of negligence, sparked immediate outrage, with many interpreting it as disrespectful towards the sacred religious event. Seers and BJP leaders demanded a public apology and retraction of the 'Mrityu Kumbh' characterization. In response to the escalating controversy, Banerjee issued a statement defending her earlier remarks, asserting that they had been 'distorted' and taken out of context. She emphasized that her intention was not to disrespect any religion but to highlight the perceived lack of proper planning and safety measures at the Maha Kumbh. She underscored the importance of meticulous planning and organization for large-scale events, especially religious gatherings, to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all attendees. She drew an analogy to wedding ceremonies, stating that adequate arrangements must be made based on the number of guests, suggesting that similar diligence should be applied to religious congregations. Furthermore, Banerjee demanded the release of promised compensation by the Yogi Adityanath government to the families of the victims of the Kumbh Mela stampede. She argued that the government had a responsibility to provide financial assistance and support to those affected by the tragedy, emphasizing the need for swift and compassionate action. She cited a past incident, a fire at a private hospital in Kolkata in 2011, where her government provided immediate assistance, including death certificates, compensation, and compensatory appointments, to the victims' families. This was used to illustrate her commitment to providing relief in times of disaster, suggesting that the Uttar Pradesh government should emulate this approach. Banerjee also challenged the assertion that the Maha Kumbh was taking place after a lapse of 144 years. She argued that Gangasagar is an annual event and that the Maha Kumbh occurs every 12 years. She claimed that the last Kumbh Mela was held in 2014, requesting correction if her information was inaccurate. This point highlights the importance of accurate information and the potential for misinformation to fuel controversy and misunderstanding. The entire episode underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression, political discourse, and religious sensitivity in a diverse and multi-faith society like India. It reveals the power of language to incite emotions and shape public opinion, especially when dealing with matters of faith and cultural significance. It also showcases the importance of responsible journalism and fact-checking to ensure accurate reporting and prevent the spread of misinformation. The incident served as a reminder of the challenges involved in organizing large-scale religious gatherings and the need for effective coordination between government authorities, religious leaders, and community organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants. Ultimately, the 'Mrityu Kumbh' controversy highlighted the complex interplay of politics, religion, and social responsibility in contemporary India.
Source: 'Statement was distorted': Mamata Banerjee on her 'Mrityu Kumbh' remark