Three prominent religious and social welfare organizations in West Bengal have become the focal point of a political confrontation between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS), Ramakrishna Mission (RKM), and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) are at the centre of this dispute.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of disrespecting Hindu organizations such as ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission, and Bharat Sevashram. Modi’s criticism followed Banerjee’s strong remarks against certain monks, whom she accused of acting on behalf of the BJP.
The controversy began on Saturday when Banerjee openly criticized some monks, specifically naming one, for allegedly supporting the BJP. She referred to the Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, questioning why monks, who traditionally do not vote, would engage in political activities.
“Instructions come from Delhi saying people should be told to vote for BJP. I know Ramakrishna Mission monks don’t cast votes. Then why should they do these things? There is a Ramakrishna Mission in Asansol. Have you forgotten how I helped you? Vivekananda’s home (in Kolkata) wouldn’t be there had this daughter not been around. The Left Front stopped your activities. Do you remember?” Banerjee stated.
This exchange marks a significant escalation in the political rhetoric in West Bengal, highlighting the deepening intersection of faith and politics in the state.
