Kartik Maharaj, a Padma Shri awardee and monk of the Bharat Sevashram Sangh, has urged the Indian government to grant refugee status to Bangladeshis fleeing religious persecution.
Speaking on his upcoming visit to New Delhi in March, Kartik Maharaj revealed that he had spoken with the office of the Union Home Minister and was assured of a meeting with the minister. During this visit, he intends to present his plea to the government.
Kartik Maharaj emphasised that the individuals crossing the border from Bangladesh are not infiltrators, as some political parties have claimed, but refugees escaping religious persecution. He pointed out the atrocities faced by these individuals due to their religious identity, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh.
"These people are coming to India not to infiltrate, but to escape violence and discrimination. It is our moral duty to provide them with safety and sanctuary," said Kartik Maharaj.
The monk also criticised the labeling of these refugees as "infiltrators" and highlighted the importance of offering protection to those suffering for their religious beliefs. His comments reflect the ongoing debate surrounding the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh and India’s response to those seeking refuge.
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This call comes at a time when Kartik Maharaj has been in the political spotlight, especially during the 2024 general elections. He had a public fallout with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who accused him of interfering in politics.
During the elections, Mamata Banerjee criticised Kartik Maharaj for allegedly promoting the BJP’s agenda under the guise of religious preaching, claiming he was campaigning for the party without openly endorsing it.
“He is doing direct politics,” Mamata said, adding that the monk’s refusal to allow Trinamool Congress (TMC) agents to sit at his ashram was proof of his political leanings.
In retaliation, Kartik Maharaj issued a legal notice to Mamata, demanding an apology for what he called defamatory remarks against his organisation. He also sought protection from the Calcutta High Court, fearing for the safety of his ashram.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to Kartik Maharaj’s defense, condemning Mamata's remarks as an attack on Hindu religious leaders and institutions. Modi expressed his disapproval during a rally in Bengal, stating that Mamata’s actions were intended to appease her vote bank by undermining respected religious figures.
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The tension between Kartik Maharaj and Mamata Banerjee highlighted the monk’s growing influence in Bengal’s political and religious landscape. He has also been seen in public gatherings with Bengal's Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, participating in pro-Hindu rallies.
These alliances have further fueled speculation about the monk’s political affiliations, particularly as he has become a key figure in the ongoing discourse on Hindu rights and the treatment of religious minorities in Bengal.
Kartik Maharaj's advocacy for Bangladeshis facing persecution aligns with the BJP’s stance on the issue, which has been a central topic in the party's election campaigns in Bengal. The BJP has repeatedly raised concerns about the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh, positioning itself as a protector of Hindu rights.
This political angle is expected to play a significant role as the state heads toward the 2026 Assembly elections, with the BJP likely seeking to consolidate its support base among Hindu voters in the region.
The monk’s request for refugee status is thus not just a humanitarian appeal but also a politically charged move, reflecting the growing intersection of religion and politics in Bengal and beyond.
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