Speaking to the national media during his visit to the Kumbh Mela, Kalyan expressed his disapproval of Banerjee's characterization of the event. He emphasized that such remarks not only undermine the cultural significance of the Kumbh Mela but also hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees participating in the pilgrimage.
"People find it very easy to make comments on Sanatana Dharma and Hinduism. This is the problem with our political leaders. They do not criticize other religions as easily as they do Hinduism. With such leaders, it becomes difficult. They do not realize that their words hurt the sentiments of crores of people," Kalyan stated.
Banerjee's original comments were made during a session of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, where she criticized the management of the Maha Kumbh Mela, alleging inadequate planning and facilities for attendees. She claimed that while VIPs had access to premium accommodations, ordinary pilgrims faced significant hardships, leading her to label the event as a "Mrityu Kumbh."
"This is 'Mrityu Kumbh'...I respect Maha Kumbh, I respect the holy Ganga Maa. But there is no planning...How many people have been recovered?...for the rich, the VIP, there are systems available to get camps for as high as Rs 1 lakh. For the poor, there are no arrangements at Kumbh...stampede situation is common in a 'mela' but it is important to make arrangements. What planning did you make?" Banerjee questioned.
In response, Kalyan defended the Uttar Pradesh government's handling of the event, highlighting the challenges inherent in organizing a gathering of such magnitude. He acknowledged that while unfortunate incidents can occur, they should not overshadow the overall efforts and management in place.
"If certain incidents occur during the Kumbh Mela, it cannot be considered a failure of management. Organizing an event attended by millions of devotees is an immense challenge for any government. No one wishes for unfortunate incidents to happen. As far as I know, the Yogi Adityanath-led government is managing the Kumbh Mela excellently. Some incidents are unfortunate, but that does not justify making such remarks," Kalyan asserted.
The Deputy Chief Minister also urged political leaders to exercise caution and sensitivity when commenting on religious events, emphasizing the importance of respecting cultural traditions and the beliefs of the populace.
"I am telling senior political leaders not to make such statements. In my opinion, such remarks are inappropriate," Kalyan added.
The controversy has sparked a broader political debate, with members of the Bharatiya Janata Party condemning Banerjee's remarks. BJP's IT cell chief, Amit Malviya, accused Banerjee of displaying contempt for Hindu traditions, suggesting that her comments were influenced by political motivations.
"Mamata Banerjee, under the influence of Firhad Hakim, a known proponent of Dawat-e-Islam, has once again revealed her deep-seated contempt for Bharat’s cultural and religious traditions. By calling the sacred Maha Kumbh Mrityu Kumbh , she has launched a deliberate attack on one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimages, attended by millions for centuries," Malviya stated.
In the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, BJP legislators, led by Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari, staged protests against Banerjee's remarks, accusing her of being "anti-Hindu" and demanding a retraction. Adhikari called upon the Hindu community and religious leaders to voice their opposition to the Chief Minister's statements.
"I appeal to the Hindu community, saint community to register a strong protest. A little while ago, on the Floor of the House , West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that this is not Maha Kumbh but 'Mrityu Kumbh'. Raise your voice against this attack on Hinduism, on Maha Kumbh," Adhikari urged.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is one of the largest religious gatherings globally, attracting millions of devotees who come to bathe in the sacred rivers, seeking spiritual purification. The 2025 event in Prayagraj has seen significant participation, with the Uttar Pradesh government implementing extensive measures to manage the influx and ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Despite these efforts, the event has faced challenges, including incidents of overcrowding and logistical hurdles. However, supporters of the administration argue that such issues are inevitable given the scale of the gathering and commend the government's proactive approach in addressing them.