"Shows her distorted mentality": Dharmendra Pradhan slams Mamata Banerjee over "Mrityu Kumbh" remark

New Delhi [India], February 18 (ANI): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday jumped into the controversy sparked by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's "Mrityu Kumbh" remark, saying that it "shows her distorted mentality".
He accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of being "blinded by the politics of appeasement".
"Calling Mahakumbh, one of the biggest festivals of Sanatan culture, 'Mrityu Kumbh' shows the distorted mentality of Mamata Didi. Blinded by the politics of appeasement, the Trinamool Congress, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, has repeatedly insulted the faith of Hindus," Pradhan posted on X.
Taking a dig at the INDIA bloc, the union minister suggested a competition to hurt the religious traditions of Hindus between alliance partners. He further added that no Sanatani would tolerate this.
"Mamata Didi's statement has once again proved that there is competition in the INDI alliance as to who will be the best at hurting the religious traditions of Hindus. If Mamata Didi wants to please her vote bank, she should do so, but this should not be done by making fun of the religious beliefs of crores of Sanatanis of the country. No Sanatani of the country will tolerate this," Pradhan said.
Pradhan further said that over 52 crore devotees had taken a dip in the Sangam, and it wasn't right to hurt their sentiments.
So far, more than 52 crore devotees have taken a dip in this holy Sangam in Mahakumbh. Therefore, it is not right to intentionally hurt their sentiments by making such objectionable comments. Mamata Didi should also go to Prayagraj and join the Mahakumbh and pray that Maa Ganga frees her from these hateful thoughts," he added.
His reaction comes after Banerjee earlier today sparked a controversy, labelling the ongoing Mahakumbh as "Mrityu Kumbh," inviting major criticism.
In her statement, Mamata Banerjee said, "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?
She further on the disparity in the arrangements made for the rich and the poor, saying, "For the rich, the VIP, there are systems available to get camps (tents) for as high as Rs 1 lakh. For the poor, there are no arrangements at Kumbh." (ANI)