Hindu Rakshi Dal in Karimganj Burns Mamata’ Banerjee’s Effigy: Calls her “Mamata Begum”

Politicians often find themselves in the spotlight, usually due to controversies rather than positive reasons. Last Saturday, May 18, Mamata Banerjee, while campaigning for her candidate at an Election Rally, stirred up a new controversy. She alleged that monks from two prominent monastic orders in West Bengal were working for the BJP and attempting to influence voters in favor of the party.

Reports indicate that Banerjee specifically named Bharat Sevasram and Ram Krishna Mission and claimed they were aligned with the BJP. Her remarks sparked widespread criticism across the country, including from Barak Valley, as in Karimganj a group known as Hindu Rakshi Dal expressed their disapproval by burning her effigy on Monday, May 20.

A member of Hindu Rakshi Dal stated, “Today, we protested against Mamata Banerjee for her disrespectful remarks towards revered monks, which not only insulted them and Bharat Sevasram but also the entire Sanatana Dharma.” He accused Banerjee of making repeated derogatory remarks towards various Hindu religious institutions, referring to her as “Mamata Begum.”

He continued, “Bharat Sevasram is an institution that does not discriminate based on religious identity, and her words have tarnished its esteemed reputation. If she continues making such remarks, today it’s us in Karimganj, tomorrow it could be the rest of Assam or even India.” He questioned Banerjee’s audacity to make such statements.

Banerjee’s statement did not sit well with the parties targeted by her remarks either. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a political rally in West Bengal, criticized Banerjee for her comments. Modi expressed dismay, stating terming it “shameful” that TMC is resorting to hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus in Bengal.

Modi further highlighted an alleged attack on Ramakrishna Mission ashram in Jalpaiguri on Sunday night, emphasizing that such actions won’t be tolerated by the people of Bengal.

Responding to the controversy, monks from Bengal clarified that they do not align with any political ideology. They affirmed that they neither engage in nor endorse political activities or influence voters towards any specific party.