Sun Feb 23 12:01:21 UTC 2025: ## Modi Slams Kumbh Critics, Accuses Opposition of “Slave Mentality”
**Chhattarpur, Madhya Pradesh:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a strong attack against critics of the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, accusing them of harboring a “slave mentality” and acting as pawns for foreign powers seeking to undermine India. Speaking at a public function, Modi stated that certain leaders are mocking religion, dividing the populace, and are being aided by foreign forces aiming to weaken the nation through religious strife. He asserted that those who despise the Hindu faith have been consistently attempting to attack its beliefs, temples, culture, and traditions for centuries.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amidst sharp criticism from the Opposition regarding the Kumbh Mela. Recent events, including a stampede that resulted in 18 deaths and reports of contaminated water, have provided ammunition for opposition parties to target the government. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s comments on Kumbh deaths sparked parliamentary uproar, while Samajwadi Party’s Jaya Bachchan alleged the disposal of bodies in the river. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee further fueled the controversy, referring to the event as “Mrityu Kumbh” (Death Kumbh), a statement supported by the Shankaracharya of Uttarakhand’s Jyotish Peeth. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also questioned the Kumbh’s scale and cost. Modi’s speech directly refutes these criticisms, framing the opposition’s concerns as part of a larger, externally influenced plot against India’s religious and cultural heritage.
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