On Tuesday, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee criticised the Uttar Pradesh government for poor planning at the Maha Kumbh, stating that the spiritual gathering in Prayagraj had become “Mrityu Kumbh.” In response, the BJP dismissed her criticism  stating that she is “nervous” about her prospects in the 2026 assembly elections after witnessing Arvind Kejriwal’s “complete decimation” in Delhi.

During the ongoing assembly session, Mamata Banerjee strongly criticised the BJP on multiple issues but especially emphasised the remarks on the Kumbh arrangements.

She stated, “This is ‘Mrityu Kumbh’. I respect Maha Kumbh, and I respect the holy Ganga Maa. But there is no planning. How many people have been recovered? There are food and lodging arrangements for the VIPs, and systems are available to get camps (tents) for as high as `1 lakh. There are no arrangements for the poor, and a stampede-like situation arose in Kumbh Mela.”

West Bengal's BJP has reacted strongly to Mamata's comments. Party leader Suvendu Adhikari strongly urged the Hindu and saint communities to oppose the CM’s remarks and protest against it.

He expressed, “I appeal to the Hindu and Saint communities to register a strong protest. A little while ago, on the Floor of the House (State Assembly), Mamata Banerjee said that this is not Maha Kumbh but ‘Mrityu Kumbh’. Raise your voice against this attack on Hindu, on Maha Kumbh.”

Banerjee and Adhikari traded verbal attacks throughout the day. Earlier, he led BJP legislators in a sit-in protest at the assembly premises, accusing her government of engaging in appeasement politics.

The chief minister criticised the state BJP for using religion for political gain and rejected allegations that she was behaving like a member of the Muslim League.

In New Delhi, Amit Malviya, co-in-charge of West Bengal BJP and head of the party’s IT cell, criticised her “uncalled-for attack.” He called her statement a ‘sign of her imminent defeat’ in the 2026 Assembly elections, stating, “She is nervous after Arvind Kejriwal’s complete decimation in Delhi. Last time, like Kejriwal, she lost her elections in Nandigram. This time, she fears the worst.”

Malviya indirectly criticised her, alleging that she was influenced by Firhad Hakim, who is known to support Dawat-e-Islam. He states, “Mamata Banerjee has again shown her deep contempt for Bharat’s culture and religious traditions. By calling the sacred Mahakumbh ‘Mrityu-Kumbh’. She has deliberately attacked one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimages, which millions have attended for centuries”.