Not questioning personal choices but admin lapses: Mamata on Kumbh
Times of India | 26 February 2025
12 Kolkata: CM Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday that she never questioned people's personal choices but she could always question "administrative lapses" that led to the death of Maha Kumbh devotees. Reacting to Yogi Adityanath's criticism of her "Mrityu Kumbh" remark, Banerjee said that the UP CM should instead compensate the families of Kumbh stampede victims. "Those who lost their dear ones should get compensation immediately," she said.
Accidents might happen but if something occurred due to lack of planning, then the blame lay there, Banerjee said. "I appeal to Yogi, even if you insult me, it won't affect me. I say this with respect as a chief minister, those who died have not received postmortem reports or death certificates. We were forced to handle it in our way. I don't know what happened in other states. Many died being trampled or in accidents. Everyone should be brought under the compensation scheme. Once compensation is announced, the money should be handed over immediately," she said.
The CM added that she did not know the facts and so wanted to learn from pandits whether the holy dip was actually happening after 12 years or taking place after 144 years.
"As far as I know, Maha Kumbh is held every 12 years, as the wooden idols in Puri's temple are changed every 12 years. Different places have different customs. But the claim that Maha Kumbh is happening after 144 years is incorrect and a hype was created. It is one-sided propaganda. If I am wrong or have erred in this, please correct me. As far as I know, the Gangasagar pilgrimage happens every year during Sankranti. I am unaware of any Kumbh happening after 144 years. I urge the experts to research and provide us with accurate data," Banerjee said.
The CM said she had not intended any disrespect to pilgrims and that her comments were distorted. Drawing a parallel, Banerjee said even if 400 people were invited to a wedding reception, food was arranged for 500 people. Similarly, for the Kumbh mela, there should have been proper planning keeping in mind the total capacity.
The CM said there was a holy dip at Gangasagar every year and even though adequate arrangements were made, with a number of ministers keeping watch at various points, she "still could not sleep for five to six days". "Again during Durga Puja, as there is a huge turnout, we keep tabs till the carnival is over," the CM said.
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