Kolkata, Feb 25 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, made a statement to the media on Tuesday to clarify her position regarding the recent uproar over her remarks in the Assembly earlier this month, where she referred to the 'Maha Kumbh' in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh as 'Mrityu Kumbh'.

During her media interaction, she refrained from repeating the controversial term.

"I have no comments regarding those who attended the sacred bath at the Maha Kumbh. I hold them in high esteem and respect all faiths. My focus was on the inadequate planning at the event. Unfortunately, my comments were misinterpreted, leading to a slew of negative narratives against me. I want to make it clear that much of what has been said is false," the Chief Minister stated.

She emphasized that accidents can happen.

"However, it is the people who bear the brunt when such incidents occur due to negligence. Moreover, the public suffers if there is insufficient planning in addressing the aftermath of an accident. I urge the Uttar Pradesh government to expedite the compensation for the families affected as promised," she added.

This marks the first instance where the Chief Minister has addressed the backlash resulting from her earlier statement during the current Budget Session of the Assembly.

Last week, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress and a state Cabinet member, Manas Ranjan Bhunia, defended Chief Minister Banerjee by claiming that her remarks were taken out of context and misrepresented.

"No one in the state government intended to disparage the Maha Kumbh. The Chief Minister did not denounce the event; her comments were focused on the loss of life due to administrative failures. Furthermore, a Central report highlighted elevated fecal bacteria levels in the river water at Prayagraj," Bhunia asserted.

Following her statements in the Assembly, the Chief Minister faced widespread criticism from various quarters across the nation.