BJP activists, led by West Bengal party chief Sukanta Majumdar, blocked M.G. Road and Central Avenue junction, causing significant traffic disruption. Majumdar accused Banerjee of insulting Hindus and their religious beliefs, demanding a nationwide protest against her statement.
The West Bengal BJP chief wrote to Governor Dr. C.V. Anand Bose, urging him to take action and have Banerjee’s statement removed from the Vidhan Sabha record. He also demanded a public apology from the Chief Minister, stating that her words were "highly insensitive and deeply offensive."
The controversy escalated as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, and Lalu Prasad Yadav for allegedly disrespecting Sanatan Dharma. Adityanath defended the Maha Kumbh as a sacred spiritual and cultural event, dismissing opposition leaders' comments as an attempt to malign its reputation.
He emphasised that the Maha Kumbh is not a government-organised event but a festival of faith for society, deeply rooted in Indian traditions. Lalu Prasad Yadav dismissed the controversy, calling it “faltu” (meaning pointless or trivial), further intensifying the political debate.
The protests highlight the growing political and religious tensions ahead of key elections, with the BJP using the issue to mobilise its support base. As the Maha Kumbh continues, the debate over Banerjee’s remark remains a flashpoint, with both sides accusing each other of politicising the tragedy.
