Criticised Kumbh but couldn’t curb Holi unrest: Yogi on Mamata
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has sparked a controversy by targeting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her comments on the Maha Kumbh festival. Adityanath’s remarks come on the heels of a violent Holi celebration in Birbhum, West Bengal, where stones were pelted, leaving several injured.
In a veiled attack on Mamata Banerjee, Adityanath said, “People who were unable to control the disturbance (upadrav) during Holi, had said that the Maha Kumbh of Prayagraj was a ‘Mrityu Kumbh’.” The Uttar Pradesh CM was responding to Banerjee’s earlier comments that the Maha Kumbh festival was a “hazard” and a “Mrityu Kumbh” (a festival of death).
Adityanath’s statement has sparked a heated debate, with many interpreting it as a personal attack on Banerjee. The Uttar Pradesh CM’s remarks have also been seen as an attempt to deflect attention from the law and order situation in his own state.
The controversy began when Banerjee, in a public rally, expressed concerns over the handling of the Maha Kumbh festival, which witnessed large-scale gatherings and potential COVID-19 superspreader events. She also alleged that the UP government had failed to ensure the safety and well-being of devotees.
The UP government, however, hit back at Banerjee, accusing her of making irresponsible statements and undermining the success of the Maha Kumbh festival. Adityanath’s statement, which compared Banerjee’s government’s handling of Holi celebrations to the UP government’s handling of the Maha Kumbh, has only added fuel to the fire.
While the row between the two CMs continues to simmer, the incident in Birbhum, West Bengal, has raised concerns over the state’s ability to maintain law and order. Stones were pelted during Holi celebrations, leaving several people injured, including police personnel.
This is not the first time that Mamata Banerjee and Yogi Adityanath have clashed over issues. The two CMs have been engaged in a war of words over various issues, including the Citizenship Amendment Act, the National Register of Citizens, and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The row between the two CMs has also drawn attention to the governance models of the two states. While the UP government has been credited with successfully hosting the Maha Kumbh festival, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the West Bengal government has faced criticism over its handling of Holi celebrations.
The incident in Birbhum has also raised questions over the preparedness of the West Bengal government to handle large-scale events. The state has been grappling with issues related to law and order, and the Holi celebrations have only added to the concerns.
In the midst of the controversy, it is essential to remember that the real victims are the people who were injured during the Holi celebrations in Birbhum. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for effective governance and the importance of ensuring public safety.
As the row between the two CMs continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. Will the UP government’s criticism of Mamata Banerjee over the Maha Kumbh festival have any impact on the law and order situation in West Bengal? Only time will tell.
Source: https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/b0703e68-e7a2-4903-86f4-39d5eac8592b
