Amid the ongoing ‘Ashram row’ in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has praised the Ram Krishna Mission, stating that she is not against any institution. She also criticized others for engaging in politics over the matter.
On Saturday, Banerjee had made allegations that some monks from the two monastic orders were acting “under instructions of the BJP.” This prompted a strong response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who accused the West Bengal CM of being “under pressure from Muslim extremists” and intimidating these socio-religious groups to “appease” the TMC’s voter base.
Addressing a rally in Bankura’s Onda, Mamata said, “I am not against Ramakrishna Mission; why should I be against an institution or insult it.” She further added, “I have spoken about one or two persons,” as reported by PTI.
The chief minister also commended the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, noting its service to the people. She mentioned Kartik Maharaj, who did not allow a Trinamool Congress agent to sit at a polling booth in Srinagar.
However, Mamata also accused a Bharat Sevashram Sangha monk from Murshidabad district of supporting the BJP and inciting people during clashes between two groups in Rejinagar. She stated that if he wanted to support the BJP, he should do so openly by wearing the party’s badge.
The ‘Ashram row’ has become a political flashpoint in West Bengal, with both the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP engaging in a war of words. Mamata’s latest remarks suggest an attempt to defuse the tensions and present herself as a leader who respects religious institutions while also calling out individuals for allegedly indulging in political activities.
