In the midst of the controversy surrounding Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra’s remarks on a film poster depicting Goddess Kali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked the Hindu deity during a speech at a Ramakrishna Mission event on Sunday, igniting a new war of words between the TMC and BJP.
In a virtual address to the centennial celebrations of Ramakrishna Math’s 15th president, Swami Atmasthananda, the Prime Minister stated that “the blessings of Maa Kali are always with the country, which is moving ahead with spiritual energy for the welfare of the world.”
Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa was one such saint who saw Maa Kali and surrendered his entire being at her feet. He used to say that the consciousness of Goddess Kali pervades the entire world. This consciousness can be seen in Bengal’s Kali Puja. This consciousness can be seen in Bengal’s and the country’s faith.”
“Whenever I had the opportunity, I visited Belur Math and Dakhineshwar Kali temple,” the Prime Minister continued. It is natural to have feelings of connection. When your faith and beliefs are pure, the power herself will lead you. Maa Kali’s boundless blessings are always with India. The country is moving forward with this spiritual energy for the benefit of the world.”
The BJP leaders used the Prime Minister’s invocation of Goddess Kali to attack the Trinamool Congress and its MP Mahua Moitra.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks reverently of Maa Kali as the centre of devotion for the entire country, not just Bengal.” On the other hand, a TMC MP insults Maa Kali, and instead of condemning her, (TMC chief) Mamata Banerjee defends her obnoxious portrayal of Maa Kali,” tweeted Amit Malviya of the BJP’s IT cell.
Soon after, the TMC MP lashed out at both the PM and Malviya. “I’d advise the BJP’s troll-in-charge for Bengal to tell his masters to stop commenting on things they don’t understand.” Didi-O-Didi got them fired. “Now, Maa-O-Maa will get them a foot on their chest,” Moitra tweeted, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Didi-O-Didi’ jibe at Mamata Banerjee during the Assembly election campaign last year.
Sougata Roy, a senior TMC leader and MP, also blasted the Prime Minister. “The Prime Minister is unaware of Kali Puja.” He may have visited Belur Math or Dakshineswar once or twice, but how would he know about Kali puja… “Mamata Banerjee has a Kali thakur in her home and performs Kali puja,” Roy explained.
