Shankaracharya Backs Mamata's 'Death Kumbh' Comment, Calls for Accountability
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Synopsis
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati supports Mamata Banerjee's comments on the Maha Kumbh, emphasizing the need for accountability from organizers regarding the tragic deaths and poor arrangements during the event.
Key Takeaways
- Shankaracharya backs Mamata Banerjee's remarks.
- Calls for accountability from Kumbh organizers.
- Critique of water quality and safety measures.
- Questioning government responses to deaths.
- Highlighting poor planning at the Maha Kumbh.
New Delhi, Feb 19 (NationPress) Mamata Banerjee's provocative comments regarding the Maha Kumbh have sparked criticism from various Hindu leaders; however, she received backing from prominent spiritual figure Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. He emphasized the necessity of addressing the uncomfortable truths associated with this significant religious event.
In an interview with IANS, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the 46th Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth in Uttarakhand, expressed that there is nothing inappropriate about the West Bengal Chief Minister labeling the Maha Kumbh as 'Death Kumbh'.
“When fatalities occur, what else can it be termed? If she has expressed this, it accurately reflects the situation,” he stated.
The Shankaracharya criticized the Kumbh organizers and the state administration for their inadequate preparations, insisting they must be held responsible for subjecting millions to bathe in unsafe and contaminated waters.
“When death occurs, it cannot be termed anything but death. If Mamata Banerjee has articulated these words, it mirrors the real situation. We had limited space and time but still invited a massive crowd, placing them in perilous conditions. The consequences are evident. Lives were lost, and authorities attempted to obfuscate the reality of these deaths for hours, labeling them as rumors,” he asserted.
He further criticized the government's response to the stampede in Prayagraj, pointing out that the death toll remains uncertain even after several days. He added, “If a leader speaks the truth, how can we oppose it?”
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati also commented on the poor planning and overcrowding at the Maha Kumbh, noting that the unfortunate outcomes are a direct result of these oversights. He questioned the rationale behind deeming the event a success despite the fatalities.
Discussing the water conditions at the Kumbh, he remarked that many ghats in Prayagraj were found to be unsuitable for bathing, yet millions were still urged to take holy dips.
“The Central Pollution Control Board had already flagged concerns regarding the water's contamination due to industrial waste and untreated sewage. Nonetheless, the authorities failed to take necessary actions, leading millions to bathe in health-hazardous waters,” he pointed out.
He also raised concerns over the UP government's lack of action and its failure to provide a scientific report on water quality. Instead of presenting factual evidence, the UP Chief Minister opted for political responses, claiming he personally bathed in the holy river.
“The statement from the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister about personally dipping in the water is not a valid answer to the serious issues raised regarding water quality. He should have submitted a report detailing the water testing results and conditions. Instead, he gave a political response by saying he bathed in the water. Just because he took a dip does not imply it was safe for everyone else,” Swami Avimukteshwaranand concluded.
