In this image via PMO on Feb. 23, 2025, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi during the foundation stone laying of Bageshwar Dham Medical
& Science Research Institute, in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh. Bageshwar Dham
seer Dhirendra Shastri are also seen. (PMO via PTI Photo)
CHATTARPUR (MP) — Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on Sunday slammed a section of leaders over their critical remarks on Maha
Kumbh, saying those with "slave mentality" keep attacking the
country's religious and cultural traditions with the backing of foreign powers.
Modi termed the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj as the
"Maha Kumbh of Unity" after laying the foundation stone for Shree
Bageshwar Medical Sciences And Research Institute, which will include a cancer
hospital, at Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh.
Bageshwar Dham is a prominent religious site associated with
Lord Hanuman frequented by thousands of people.
"These days we see that there is a group of leaders who
mock and ridicule our religion. They are bent upon breaking the unit and are
engaged in dividing people.
"Many times, foreign powers too are seen trying to
weaken the country and religion by supporting these people," Modi said.
Modi's remarks come amid a row over West Bengal CM Mamata
Banerjee dubbing Maha Kumbh as “Mrityu Kumbh” citing mismanagement and incidents
of stampede. She had also accused the authorities of suppressing the death
toll.
Modi said the haters of Hindu faith have been living in
different disguises for centuries.
"These people with slave mentality attack our beliefs,
temples, saints, culture and traditions. These people abuse our festivals,
traditions, and beliefs," he said.
Modi further said the agenda of this section was to break
the society and unity of the country.
"They have the audacity of throwing slush at our
religion and culture which is intrinsically progressive," he added.
Modi underlined the religious significance of Maha Kumbh in
Prayagraj which is taking place after 144 years.
He praised 'safai karmis' (sanitation workers) and police
personnel for doing a great job in making the Maha Kumbh a successful event.
"This is the great Kumbh of unity where thousands of
doctors and volunteers work with dedication and the spirit of service. People
visiting the great Kumbh of unity appreciate these efforts," he said.
Modi also praised services rendered by ophthalmologists to
the needy people at the mega religious congregation attended by crores.
Highlighting efforts made by his government in fighting
cancer, Modi said cancer daycare centres will be opened in all districts of the
country in the next three years.
He pointed to Budgetary announcements aimed at fighting
cancer and the decision to make cancer medicines cheaper.
The cancer hospital, to be set up under Shree Bageshwar
Medical Sciences And Research Institute, is the brainchild of self-styled
godman Dhirendra Shastri, the Peethadhishwar of Bageshwar Dham.
Modi said the 100-bed cancer hospital will come up on 10
acres in the first phase over the next two years, with a cost of Rs 218 crore.
