After 'Mrityu Kumbh' Remark, Mamata Questions Maha Kumbh 144-Year Claim, Says 'Punya Snan Comes Every Year'

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee added that Maha Kumbh takes place every 12 years. The last Kumbh Mela happened in 2014.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed on Tuesday that the 144-year Maha Kumbh is "incorrect".

Source : ANI

After 'Mrityu Kumbh' remark, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed on Tuesday that the Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh which is taking place in 144 years is "incorrect".

According to PTI, while speaking about the Gangasagar event and the Maha Kumbh, she said "Gangasagar is an annual event but Maha Kumbh takes place every 12 years. The last Kumbh Mela happened in 2014. If I am wrong then please correct me. But that this Maha Kumbh is taking place in 144 years is incorrect."

"As per my knowledge, the punya snan (holy dip) system comes every year. Actually, we organize the Gangasagar Mela. That's why I know about the holy dip. I never said about pilgrims who took a holy dip in Maha Kumbh, I respect them. I'm talking about the system and preparation there. If there is no planning, people will suffer. I appeal to the Yogi govt to give compensation who died in the Maha Kumbh 2025 stampede, "news agency ANI quoted Mamata Banerjee as saying.

Howrah | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, "After 144 years, Maha Kumbh will come. This is not right. If I'm wrong, correct me. As per my knowledge, the punya snan (holy dip) system comes every year. Actually, we organize the Gangasagar Mela. That's why I know about the holy… pic.twitter.com/ILWaqFyoIr

— ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2025

Mamata Banerjee Backup Her 'Mrityu Kumbh' Remarks

Responding to the “Mrityu Kumbh" row, Banerjee stated that her remarks were not against the pilgrims but against the lack of proper planning and preparation for the event by the state government.

“I never said about pilgrims who took a holy dip in Maha Kumbh, I respect them. I’m talking about the system and preparation there. If there is no planning, people will suffer," Banerjee said, News 18 reported.

Banerjee was referring to her recent 'Mrityu Kumbh' statement, where she alleged that authorities had concealed the true number of deaths caused by stampedes at the Maha Kumbh.  

She further called on the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government to promptly disburse the promised compensation to the families of the victims.  

In response to the remark, the BJP vehemently opposed Banerjee’s remarks on the Maha Kumbh, urging Hindu seers and saints to stage large-scale protests across West Bengal. The party also condemned her statement, labelling it an “attack on Hindus."