Kolkata: In response to the widespread criticism she faced for her comments about the monks of Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission, Bharat Sevashram Sangha, and ISKCON, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee adopted a more restrained approach on Monday.
Banerjee clarified her stance, stating that she had not made any derogatory remarks about any institution. She emphasized that her comments were directed towards specific individuals, such as Kartik Maharaj. The Chief Minister explained that her concern stemmed from receiving information that Maharaj was preventing Trinamool Congress election agents from carrying out their duties and was involved in political activities on behalf of the BJP while using religion as a cover. Banerjee suggested that if Maharaj wished to engage in politics, he should openly align himself with the lotus symbol, the BJP’s party symbol, instead of hiding behind a religious facade.
These statements were made by Banerjee during an election rally in Onda, under the Bishnupur Lok Sabha constituency in Bankura district, in support of the party’s candidate, Sujata Mondal Khan.
In light of a legal notice received earlier in the day from Kartik Maharaj, a monk associated with Bharat Sevashram Sangha’s Baharampur unit of Murshidabad district, the Chief Minister took the time to provide a detailed explanation regarding her remarks about the Ramakrishna Mission. She emphasized her positive relationship with the mission and recounted her recent visit to a sick Maharaj. Furthermore, she highlighted her efforts in restoring the residences of Swami Vivekananda, Maa Sarada, and Sister Nivedita. However, she clarified that her comments were directed towards specific individuals within the mission, emphasizing that not everyone is the same.
Political circles speculate that the Chief Minister’s explanations on Monday were prompted by the realization that the followers of Ramakrishna Mission include individuals from various religions, including non-Hindus. It is worth noting that non-Hindu students attend the schools operated by Ramakrishna Mission and Sarada Mission, and individuals from different religious backgrounds are part of the faculty in these educational institutions. Additionally, non-Hindu doctors serve as medical experts in the health services provided by this esteemed institution, which was founded by Swami Vivekananda.