Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday criticised leaders who have made negative remarks about the Maha Kumbh, calling them “people with slave mentality” who attack India’s religious and cultural traditions with the support of foreign powers.
Modi made the comments while laying the foundation stone for the Shree Bageshwar Medical Sciences and Research Institute in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. The institute will include a cancer hospital and is linked to the Bageshwar Dham, a prominent religious site dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The 100-bed hospital, set to be built in phases over the next two years at a cost of Rs 218 crore, will occupy 10 acres of land.
“Recently, we’ve seen a group of leaders mocking our religion. They aim to divide us,” Modi said. “At times, foreign forces also support these people to weaken our country and religion.”
His remarks follow criticism from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who referred to the Maha Kumbh as “Mrityu Kumbh” (Death Kumbh) due to reports of mismanagement and stampedes. Banerjee also accused authorities of downplaying the death toll.
Modi condemned those who oppose Hindu beliefs, calling them “haters of the Hindu faith” who have existed in different forms for centuries. He accused them of attacking India’s temples, saints, and cultural traditions.
“These people want to break the unity of our society,” Modi said. “They disrespect our religion, which is inherently progressive.”
The Prime Minister said the religious importance of the Maha Kumbh, which is being held in Prayagraj after 144 years. He also praised sanitation workers and police personnel for their efforts in managing the large-scale event.