During a public event in Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended the Maha Kumbh mela against critics, equating them to “foreign powers” aimed at weakening India and accusing them of having a “slave mentality.” He condemned those who mock Hinduism, arguing that they attack the faith, culture, and traditions, promoting divisiveness. Modi’s remarks followed opposition criticism regarding a fatal stampede and concerns over sanitation at the event. Leaders like Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Jaya Bachchan, and Mamata Banerjee expressed outrage over the deaths and questioned the government’s handling of the Kumbh, labeling it as “Mrityu Kumbh.”
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today responded to the critics of the ongoing Maha Kumbh mela, likening them to “foreign powers aiming to undermine the nation” and asserting that they possess a “slave mentality”.
While addressing a public event in Chhattarpur, Madhya Pradesh, he remarked, “These days, we observe a faction of leaders who ridicule religion, mock it, and are involved in sowing division among people. Many times, foreign powers also attempt to weaken our nation and religion by supporting these individuals.”
“Those who harbor hatred towards the Hindu faith have existed in various forms for centuries. Individuals with a slave mentality consistently assault our faith, beliefs, temples, our religion, culture, and principles,” he continued.
He also mentioned that these individuals “disparage our festivals, traditions, and customs”.
“They audaciously attack a religion and culture that is inherently progressive. Their agenda is to divide our society and disrupt its unity,” he stated.
Ranging from the stampede earlier this month that resulted in 18 fatalities to reports of fecal contamination in the Sangam waters, the Opposition has found ample topics to criticize the government concerning the Kumbh.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge stirred controversy in parliament with his “tributes to the thousands who perished in Kumbh”.
Samajwadi Party leader Jaya Bachchan asserted that the bodies of the Mahakumbh stampede victims were “being tossed into the river”.
Shortly after, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ignited a fresh controversy by referring to the large religious gathering as “Mrityu Kumbh” due to the deaths resulting from stampedes. Her comments received backing even from the Shankaracharya of Uttarakhand’s Jyotish Peeth.
In agreement with her, Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav further highlighted the scale and financial implications of the Maha Kumbh.