Saharanpur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, questioning her handling of law and order after communal clashes broke out in her state during Holi. Speaking at a loan distribution event under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Yojana (CM YUVA) in Saharanpur, Adityanath took a dig at Banerjee for allegedly calling the Maha Kumbh a “festival of death” while struggling to maintain peace in West Bengal.
Adityanath praised the successful execution of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which witnessed over 66 crore devotees, emphasizing that no criminal incidents were reported during the event. He contrasted this with the violence in West Bengal’s Birbhum district on March 14, where clashes erupted, leading to injuries and internet shutdowns. “They called our Maha Kumbh disorganized and labeled it a ‘mrityu Kumbh,’ but they couldn’t even control law and order in their own state during Holi,” Adityanath remarked.
Banerjee had criticized the Maha Kumbh following a stampede on January 29 that resulted in at least 30 deaths and 60 injuries. Adityanath, however, defended the event, stating that effective governance and strong law enforcement ensured its smooth conduct. He further accused Banerjee’s administration of imposing curfews during festivals instead of maintaining order. “Here, in Uttar Pradesh, Holi was celebrated with joy, followed by Jumma prayers, without any restrictions. Their entire population is equal to just our Muslim population, yet they couldn’t manage the situation,” he said.
The Uttar Pradesh CM emphasized that good governance requires the right intent, a positive approach, teamwork, and respect for public sentiment. He alleged that a government with a “polluted mindset” cannot deliver good results and criticized leadership that he claimed divides society. Adityanath’s comments are likely to escalate the ongoing political rivalry between the two leaders, especially with the general elections approaching.
The clashes in Birbhum led to the arrest of 21 people, and the West Bengal government suspended internet services in the affected areas to prevent further unrest. Adityanath’s remarks add fuel to the debate over governance and security, setting the stage for further political confrontations between BJP and TMC leaders.
