“Correct me if I am…”: Mamata Banerjee Questions 144-Year Claim, Challenges BJP’s Narrative on Mahakumbh

Amid the rising controversy over the Mahakumbh and the tragic deaths in stampedes during the religious gathering, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised doubts over the BJP’s claims regarding the event’s rarity. The BJP has repeatedly emphasized that this year’s Mahakumbh is a once-in-a-lifetime affair, taking place “after 144 years” and will not occur again for another 144 years. However, Mamata has cast skepticism on this claim, suggesting that such a narrative might be a product of hype.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mamata questioned the veracity of the 144-year claim, stating, “Mahakumbh happens every 12 years. The last one was in 2014. So, those saying it is happening after 144 years might not be correct. This is misleading.” Her remarks were a direct counter to BJP’s narrative, which has been pushing the idea that this year’s Mahakumbh is a historically significant event, fuelling mass attendance and media hype.

Media reports quoting the Uttar Pradesh government, claim that more than 50 crore (500 million) people have participated in the Mahakumbh’s Holi dip, a spiritual practice where millions of devotees bathe in the sacred Ganges to “cleanse their sins”. While the number remains a point of contention, the sheer scale of the event is undeniable.

However, Mamata Banerjee has highlighted the dire consequences of such unchecked and not so well planned mass gathering, pointing to the tragic stampede that claimed numerous lives. A deadly stampede on January 29 had claimed at least 30 lives in Mahakumbh’s Sangam ghat. 

“Whether this Mahakumbh is happening after 12 years or 144 years, it does not matter if there is no proper management. People have died in stampedes and road accidents. Why didn’t the government take proper precautions?” Mamata asked. “You cannot create a narrative of this being a once-in-a-lifetime event if there is poor planning leading to tragic consequences," she added. 

Reports of deaths in stampedes, as well as accidents involving pilgrims en route to the Mahakumbh, have sparked widespread criticism of the event’s management. Opposition leaders, including Mamata, have accused the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government of failing to make adequate arrangements for such a large-scale gathering.

In particular, Mamata’s call for proper compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in the Mahakumbh stampede and road accidents has added weight to her criticisms. “If there’s going to be such a massive event, the government must ensure there is proper safety, proper crowd control, and proper management. It is their responsibility to look after the people,” she emphasised.

While the BJP continues to defend the event and promote its spiritual significance, Mamata’s questioning of the 144-year claim and her focus on the human cost of the Mahakumbh have added fuel to the ongoing political battle. She has drawn parallels with Gangasagar mela that happens in West Bengal every year, underlining that religious affair is no less significant and sees huge footfall.

In addition, Banerjee also urged researchers to verify the 144 year “once in lifetime affair” for the sake of truth. “When we plan Gangasagar, which happens every year, we don’t get to sleep while ensuring proper arrangements for pilgrims. Were should know what our capacity is. Media was used by BJP to hype up Mahakumbh without realising how much the Government can handle. As far as I know, this is not correct to say that Mahakumbh is happening after 144 years or will happen again after 144 years. May be my knowledge is limited. If there are specialists who can do the research then I would urge them to elucidate," said Mamata Banerjee.