Shankaracharya Echoes Mamata's Criticism of Kumbh Mela, Cites Mismanagement

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the 46th Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth, has supported West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's controversial "Mrityu Kumbh" comment. The seer criticized Maha Kumbh organizers for poor crowd management, citing a 300km traffic jam and sewage-contaminated bathing water. Banerjee's remarks, referring to the January 29 stampede that killed 30 people, drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders and other religious figures. UP CM Yogi Adityanath defended the event, stating over 56 crore people had taken a holy dip. The controversy has intensified political tensions, with opposition leaders like Akhilesh Yadav backing Banerjee's stance.

 

Source: NDTV, Times of India, Business Standard