Bharat Sevashram's Kartik Maharaj Serves Defamation Notice On Bengal CM Mamata, Seeks Apology in 4 Days

The Bharat Sevashram Sangha has sent a legal notice to Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, demanding an apology for her comments about Kartik Maharaj being involved in politics.

File photos of Mamata Banerjee and Kartik.

The Bharat Sevashram Sangha has served a notice on Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Kartik Maharaj, a monk associated with the organisation, has cautioned of further legal steps if CM Mamata fails to apologise within four days. The Bharat Sevashram Sangha suddenly shot to the forefront of the election campaigns in Bengal after a war of words ensued between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Mamata over the "allegiance" of the organisation and Kartik Maharaj. While CM Mamata alleged that Kartik Maharaj was directly associating himself with politics and siding with the BJP, PM Modi claimed that she was insulting Hindu seers. 

Mamata Banerjee's Comment On Kartik Maharaj

At a rally in Goghat under the Arambagh Lok Sabha constituency on Saturday, Mamata Banerjee targeted not only the BJP but also a section of sadhus-saints. Accoerding to news agency ANI, she slammed them, saying: "There is a 'maharaj' in Behrampore — Kartik Maharaj. He says he will not allow any TMC agent in the poll booth. I do not consider him a saint because he is directly involved in politics and is ruining the country. However, I used to respect Bharat Sevashram Sangha a lot. It has been on my list of respected organisations for a long time."

Mamata Banerjee's recent attack on ISKCON, RKM, & Bharat Sevashram Sangh hits a new low. She accuses them of threatening India's future, claims RKM is campaigning for the BJP via WhatsApp. As the CM, her delusional rants are a travesty for the people of Bengal.#shameful pic.twitter.com/O7fiClP9nD

— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar ( মোদীজির পরিবার ) (@DrSukantaBJP) May 19, 2024

She further said that a section of seers at the Ramakrishna Mission unit in Asansol and an ISKCON unit were supporting the BJP. "What help did I not provide to the Ramakrishna Mission? When the CPI(M) stopped food distribution, I supported you fully, and took care of your existence, and your rights. I have also given ISKCON 700 acres of land. A few of them are violating [ethics of sadhus], not all," CM Mamata said.

Mamata Banerjee's recent attack on ISKCON, RKM, & Bharat Sevashram Sangh hits a new low. She accuses them of threatening India's future, claims RKM is campaigning for the BJP via WhatsApp. As the CM, her delusional rants are a travesty for the people of Bengal.#shameful pic.twitter.com/O7fiClP9nD

— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar ( মোদীজির পরিবার ) (@DrSukantaBJP) May 19, 2024

Kartik Maharaj earlier said, "I shall quit my ascetic life, if you can prove [allegations of political involvement]. I am not a don or goon that I would remove a TMC worker from a polling booth. The Chief Minister is lying. There will now be protests from various places in India."

Now, he has sent a legal notice threatening to file a defamation case if the CM did not apologise for her remarks. In his notice, Kartik Maharaj mentioned, "The honour of Bharat Sevashram Sangha has been tarnished by Mamata's statement. The Chief Minister must apologise for her remarks". He said further legal steps would be taken if an apology was not sought within four days.

(With inputs from ABP Ananda.)