Kolkata,
Jan 11: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged Gangasagar
pilgrims not to believe whatever the saffron brigade was saying in order to
ensure a safe and secured pilgrimage.
On the eve of the holy dip, the Chief Minister said,
“Gangasagar Mela is such a major event in which around 30 lakh people from
different parts of the country visit and the administration has to be vigilant
round-the-clock to ensure safe and secured journey of the devotees. Right at
this time, they are planning to take out a rath… Actually, they have no work
apart from creating trouble and to do politics in everything.”
Shefurther said: “When so many people from so many states
including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand are here, what is the need
to organise another programme and create a divide if you have love for the
Hindu religion.” She also raised the question adding that there are some who
want to create problems intentionally as they do not want any good to take
place.
“In case anything odd takes place at the Gangasagar Mela,
those who are conspiring will be held responsible,” she maintained. In the same
breath, she urged the pilgrims from other states to consider Bengal as their
home and let the administration know if they are facing any problem instead of
listening to those who would try to create problems.
“We don’t allow any big programme at the time of Gangasagar
as we need to maintain a proper vigil to ensure safety and security of around
30 lakh people. I would request all to not do anything that would lead to an
atmosphere of discord,” The Bengal CM said adding that it is the first priority
to give protection to the lakhs of pilgrims visiting the event. Drawing a
relevance to matches at Eden Gardens, she said since there cannot be 10 matches
taking place at the ground, similarly, “No major event can be held during
Gangasagar Mela.”
She said there was nothing in Sagar Island earlier. “We went
to the place 10 days ago and found massive development including setting up of
shelters for the pilgrims, proper illumination, good roads, etc.” She also
slammed the Centre for not extending any financial support unlike the Kumbha
Mela for organising such a big fair.
Ms Banerjee said: “We are giving our best in making better
arrangements for the pilgrims without anyone’s support. The Centre didn’t give
us anything. It is the state government that undertook all the development work
in Sagar Island.” UNI