Banerjee Criticizes Monk's Political Involvement, Modi Accuses Her of Insulting Cultural Institutionsभारत सेवाश्रम संघ के साधु ने ममता बनर्जी को भेजा नोटिस

 Banerjee and Modi Clash Over Involvement of Religious Figures in Politics

On Saturday, Banerjee expressed her respect for monks but emphasized that not all are the same. She mentioned a specific unit of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) in Berhampore and a monk named Kartick Maharaj, who has been vocal about not allowing TMC election agents in polling booths. Banerjee criticized him for being directly involved in politics, stating, "I do not consider him a monk because he is directly involved in politics. He is ruining the country. I have great respect for Bharat Sevashram Sangha," she said during a rally in Hooghly.

In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Banerjee on Sunday of "bad-mouthing" and "threatening" ISKCON, RKM, and BSS to protect Muslims and infiltrators, whom he claims are the Trinamool Congress (TMC)’s vote bank. 

“The chief minister is bad-mouthing our great organisations and maligning them under pressure from hardcore Muslim outfits to secure votes. TMC is insulting Bengal’s heritage and culture. They repeatedly use vulgar words against Ram Mandir [in Ayodhya]. Wouldn't you reply to TMC’s appeasement politics with your votes?” Modi said at a rally in Bankura.