As the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal reach their midpoint, Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee has sparked a momentous controversy by directing her criticism towards Hindu monks. This move has not only stirred the political landscape in the state but also ignited a fierce debate among political analysts and the general public, underlining the gravity of the situation.
“If he wants to support the BJP, he can, but he should do it wearing its badge,” Banerjee said, referring to Kartick Maharaj of BSS at a rally in Bankura district. She noted that the monk was previously associated with Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and now supports the BJP. While singling out Kartick Maharaj, Banerjee clarified that she was not against any organization.
“I am not against Ramakrishna Mission (RKM). Why should I be against an institution and show disrespect? I even visited Maharaj (former head of the mission) when he was ill. I have only talked about one or two people,” Banerjee said. She praised BSS for its philanthropic work.
On Saturday, Banerjee stated that she “does not consider sadhus (monks) who indulge in politics as sadhus,” targeting certain monks of BSS, RKM, and ISKCON. The next day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Banerjee of trying to “appease her vote bank under pressure from Muslim fundamentalists.” On Monday, Modi said that Banerjee is threatening Hindu monks from an open platform.
Modi claimed that after Banerjee’s remarks, an RKM ashram was attacked in Jalpaiguri district. Describing RKM, BSS, and ISKCON as part of West Bengal’s spiritual heritage, Modi stated, “Bengal will not accept the insult on Ramakrishna Mission and other Hindu organizations.”
Kartick Maharaj, also known as Swami Pradiptananda Maharaj, has sent a legal notice to Banerjee, demanding an apology for her alleged defamatory remarks about the organization. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari posted a copy of the legal notice on social media, praising the monks for their “courage in standing up and raising their voices against the targeted attacks of Mamata Banerjee upon Sanatan Dharma.”
This controversy, which has emerged amidst the ongoing election campaign, has the potential to significantly reshape the political landscape. The BJP leadership has accused Trinamool of marginalizing Hindus in the state, while Trinamool leaders have made statements with communal undertones, leading the Election Commission of India to intervene. Furthermore, a group of imams in West Bengal has issued a press statement urging people to vote for Trinamool to counter the BJP, adding to the sense of uncertainty and anticipation.
Political analyst and psephologist Biswanath Chakraborty predicts that Banerjee’s remarks will exacerbate the polarization of Hindu votes. “The elections in semi-urban and urban areas are yet to be held, and these organizations have a significant following among the Hindu population. The Chief Minister’s remarks, therefore, are not only poorly timed but also highlight a potential double standard in her approach to political activities involving religious figures,” Chakraborty commented.
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