The Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS), a religious organisation, has distanced itself from the comments made by Swami Pradiptananda, leader of its Beldanga branch, regarding West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Pradiptananda, also known as Kartik Maharaj and head of the Beldanga unit of BSS, issued a defamation notice to the chief minister and organised a protest in Berhampore following her labelling him as a “BJP stooge” during a campaign rally.

Swami Biswatmananda, the principal secretary of the BSS headquarters, informed the Times of India, "The order respects Banerjee for her work for the poor." He clarified that Pradiptananda's statements were made in his personal capacity and were "not endorsed" by the BSS.

“This should not have been said. It is unfortunate. No permission was sought from us [Bharat Sevashram Sangha headquarters]. We will inquire into it,” Biswatmananda said.

Speaking to media, Pradiptananda said, "In my legal notice, I stated that the CM's false accusations have caused reactions among monks and devotees. (In the notice, I asked her to) provide proof for the allegations she made. Otherwise, she should issue an unconditional apology." He claimed Banerjee's comments were highly libelous and demanded a reply within four days, failing which he would take legal action.

During his protest, the monk said, "All parties have cordial relations with me. Even TMC leaders have come to meet me. So did Congress and BJP leaders. In Beldanga, a section of people consider me to be their guardian. There is no politics in it."

He criticised Banerjee for not addressing a communally divisive statement made by her party MLA Humayun Kabir. "I have the right to protect my religion," he said.

During an election campaign rally in Onda of Bankura, the Chief Minister clarified that she was addressing ‘lies’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches. “I am not against the Ramakrishna Mission. Why should I be against an institution and why should I even think of disrespecting an order? I had gone to see President Maharaj a few days back when he was unwell. That is not the issue. I have only spoken against one or two people,” she said.

Banerjee further added, “I named one man. He is Kartik Maharaj. He did not allow TMC to field agents and also masterminded the riot in Murshidabad before the polls. That’s why I took his name. He was earlier with Adhir (Choudhury of the Congress) but is now in the BJP. He runs an ashram at Rejinagar where the riot happened. I have no problem with his ashram. But when I enquired about our party agents’ absence at (polling booths, I was told that Kartik Maharaj said he would not allow them.”

The Chief Minister had also accused certain members of the Ramakrishna Mission of working for the BJP.

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