Shankaracharya backs Mamata Banerjee’s 'mrityu Kumbh' remark

Amidst a storm of criticism over West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks on Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh, a powerful voice has emerged in her support. Spiritual leader Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj has backed Banerjee’s claims, highlighting the severe mismanagement at the sacred event.

Addressing the issue on Wednesday, Shankaracharya did not hold back. "A 300-kilometre traffic jam — if this isn’t mismanagement, then what is?" he questioned, pointing to the plight of devotees who were forced to walk 25-30 km carrying their belongings.

Adding to the concerns, he raised the alarm over water pollution at the holy site. "The water for bathing is mixed with sewage. Scientists themselves have declared it unfit for use, yet crores of people are being compelled to bathe in it," he told news agency ANI.

His statements align with the findings of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which, in its January 12-13 report, confirmed that the river water failed to meet bathing standards at most locations, despite meeting the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) criteria.

Shankaracharya further criticised the authorities for their lack of foresight. "You knew 12 years ago that Kumbh would be held — why was no effort made to ensure clean water? At the very least, drains could have been stopped or diverted for a few days," he argued.

The mismanagement, he claimed, extended beyond logistics. Speaking on the tragic stampede at Mauni Amavasya, he alleged that the government deliberately downplayed the number of casualties. "Proper crowd control measures were ignored. Even in the face of death, they tried to conceal the truth. This is a grave crime," he stated.

However, not everyone agrees with Banerjee’s remarks. BJP leader and Rajasthan MLA Swami Balmukundacharya lashed out at the West Bengal CM, accusing her of disrespecting Mahakumbh and hurting religious sentiments. "Mamata Banerjee has insulted our sacred event, our deities, and our rivers. The people of India are watching this. Just like Congress, TMC will also be wiped out," he declared.

Despite the backlash, Mamata Banerjee remains firm in her criticism. Addressing the state assembly on Tuesday, she acknowledged the spiritual significance of Maha Kumbh and the sacredness of the Ganga, but condemned the lack of proper arrangements.

"This is no Maha Kumbh; this is 'mrityu Kumbh (Kumbh of death)'. I respect the event, but what planning was done? Stampedes are not uncommon at large gatherings, but it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure safety. How many lives have been lost?" she asked.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear — Maha Kumbh 2025 has put the spotlight not just on faith, but on governance and accountability.