The Aryavarth Express
Agency (West Bengal): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee praised the Ramakrishna Mission (RKM) and Bharat Sevashram Sangha for their philanthropic efforts on Monday, emphasizing that she is not against any institution but criticized specific individuals for engaging in politics.
Banerjee’s comments came after her allegations on Saturday that some monks from these monastic orders were working “under instructions of the BJP.” This statement drew sharp criticism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who claimed that Banerjee was “under pressure from Muslim extremists” and accused her of threatening socio-religious organizations to “appease” the TMC’s vote bank.
Addressing an election rally in Bankura’s Onda, Banerjee clarified her position, saying, “I am not against Ramakrishna Mission, why should I be against an institution or insult it. I have spoken about one or two persons.” She also praised Bharat Sevashram Sangha for its work for the people.
Banerjee specifically mentioned Kartik Maharaj, accusing him of not allowing a Trinamool Congress agent to sit at a polling booth in Rejinagar and claiming that he was working for the BJP. She accused him of instigating people during clashes between two groups in Murshidabad district. “If he wants to do BJP, he can, but should do it wearing its badge,” Banerjee stated.