Mamata Banerjee mrityu Maha Kumbh row – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee backpedals on ‘mrityu kumbh’ row, says we respect all religions

Amid the controversy over her remarks describing Maha Kumbh as ‘mrityu kumbh’, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she respects all religions and cultures.

The Trinamool Congress supremo also emphasised that religion could belong to an individual, but religious festivals are for all.

While addressing the assembly on Tuesday, Banerjee criticised the Uttar Pradesh government over its management of the ongoing Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj, and said the event has turned into “mrityu kumbh” with people losing their lives in incidents of stampede. She also accused the authorities of suppressing the death toll.

The BJP has been attacking the chief minister over the remark.

“Who said I do not respect my religion? Remember, religion belongs to an individual, but festivals are for all. In our country, we have several states and each of them has different languages, education, cultures and beliefs. But we respect all cultures and that is why unity in diversity is our philosophy and ideology,” she said.

The Chief Minister was addressing a programme after laying the foundation stone of Narayana Health City in Newtown near here.

“Sometimes people ask me whether you are a man or a woman and I reply that I consider myself as a human being and humanity is my subject,” she said.

Later, in a social media post, Banerjee thanked the founder of Narayana Health, Dr Devi Shetty, for setting up the hospital in the state.

“On this auspicious occasion, I extend heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to our esteemed guests and the Narayana Group family. I am especially grateful to Dr Devi Shetty for placing his trust in us and taking this significant step in Bengal,” she posted.

“At the last Bengal Global Business Summit, Dr Shetty promised to invest in Bengal, and today he is fulfilling that promise by building a health centre that will serve as a centre of excellence with a capacity of 1100 beds,” Banerjee said.

The Bengal Chief Minister was hopeful that in the coming days, this institution will create employment opportunities for over 10,000 people.