Amidst the furore over her 'Mrityu Kumbh' remark, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asserted her respect for all religions and cultures, while underlining that religious festivals transcend individual beliefs.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief's comments come in response to criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after she described the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj as 'Mrityu Kumbh', alleging multiple deaths due to mismanagement.
While addressing the Assembly on Tuesday, Banerjee had castigated the Uttar Pradesh government, accusing it of mishandling the Maha Kumbh and concealing the true death toll from incidents such as stampedes.
"Who said I do not respect my religion? Remember, religion belongs to an individual but festivals are for all. In our country, we have several states and each of them has different languages, education, cultures and beliefs. But we respect all cultures and that is why unity in diversity is our philosophy and ideology," she said.
Banerjee was speaking at an event after laying the foundation stone for Narayana Health City in Newtown, on the outskirts of Kolkata.
Also read: Mamata's 'Mrityu Kumbh' remark shows anti-sanatan bias: BJP
"Sometimes people ask me whether you are a man or a woman and I reply that I consider myself as a human being and humanity is my subject," she added.
The BJP has seized upon her 'Mrityu Kumbh' remark, accusing her of being insensitive towards the sentiments of millions of devotees attending the sacred congregation.
Later, in a social media post, the chief minister expressed gratitude to Dr Devi Shetty, the founder of Narayana Health, for establishing the medical facility in West Bengal.
"On this auspicious occasion, I extend heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to our esteemed guests and the Narayana Group family. I am especially grateful to Dr Devi Shetty for placing his trust in us and taking this significant step in Bengal," she posted.
Banerjee noted that Dr Shetty's investment aligns with his commitment made during the Bengal Global Business Summit, where he promised to establish a healthcare centre in the state.
"At the last Bengal Global Business Summit, Dr Shetty promised to invest in Bengal, and today he is fulfilling that promise by building a health centre that will serve as a centre of excellence with a capacity of 1100 beds," she said.
Banerjee expressed hope that the institution would generate substantial employment in the state.
"In the coming days, this institution will create employment opportunities for over 10,000 people," she remarked.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including officials from the state government and representatives from Narayana Health.
Also read: Akhilesh, seer back Mamata's 'Mrityu Kumbh' remark
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