As BJP latches on to Mamata’s Ramakrishna Mission, Sevashram remarks, TMC in damage control mode

Both the Sevashram and the Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, are widely revered across the state, with individuals who have sought diksha (initiation) from either, or having studied in schools run by them, spread across many families.

Addressing a public meeting in Purulia on Sunday, Modi told the people to teach the TMC government a lesson through the ballot box, so that it “does not dare to insult such socio-religious organisations in the future”.

Accusing the Mamata government of “preferring violence” and “threatening voters” and not caring about “the sentiments of the people of Bengal”, the PM said: “This time, they have crossed all limits. ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission created by Swami Vivekananda and Bharat Sevashram Sangha are known for their service and morality. They make the country proud… They have stooped so low only to please their vote bank.”

A senior TMC leader said they were worried about the impact of Mamata’s remarks. “The TMC has a strong organisation in the areas that go to polls now. We expect to gain in these phases. Such a statement just before voting will damage our narrative, because both these are popular religious organisations with lakhs of devotees.”

Modi incidentally claims a close association with the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, and in June 2017, at the death of its head Swami Atmasthananda, had offered his condolences calling it a “personal loss”. He posted on X that he had got spiritual guidance from Swami Atmasthananda in Rajkot, Gujarat. “I lived with him during a very important period of my life.”

In May 2015, and again in January 2020, he had visited the Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, located in Howrah district. During his January 2020 visit, the PM had spent a night at the Math.

At a rally on Saturday in Hooghly’s Jayrambati, the birthplace of Sarada Devi, wife of Sri Ramakrishna, Mamata had referred to Kartik Maharaj, and said: “He says he will not allow any TMC agent in poll booths. I do not consider him a monk as he is directly involved in politics and is ruining the country. I used to respect the Bharat Sevashram Sangha a lot.”

She went on to say that members of the Ramakrishna Mission got their “instructions from Delhi”. “Some monks of the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha are working under the influence of BJP leaders in Delhi,” Mamata said, adding that this was the work of a few and that she had only respect for the two outfits.

On Monday, the CM said her remarks were being misinterpreted. “I have not said anything against any institution. I am not against the Ramakrishna Mission. I just talked about a couple of individuals like Kartik Maharaj because I was informed that he has said he won’t allow TMC agents into polling booths. Under the camouflage of religion, he is working for the BJP. He has every right to get involved in political activities. But he should embrace the Lotus symbol publicly, instead of taking refuge behind saffron robes,” the CM said.

A statement issued by Kartik Maharaj’s lawyer said: “Throughout his life, my client has devoted himself to human service. He is trying to take the current Hindu society to a new heights by maintaining the full dignity of the ancient style of Hindu spirituality. On the one hand, there is strong attraction and love for his motherland. On the other hand, he is sympathetic to humanity and engaged in social reform.”

After Kartik Maharaj issued the notice to Mamata, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari posted on X: “I express my gratitude to the Holy Monks and the Monastic Orders for being upfront and courageous by standing up and raising their voices against the targeted attacks of Mamata Banerjee upon Sanatan Dharma and its custodians.”

Congress state president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “Bengali sentiments are attached with Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha. Both institutions have dedicated themselves to the service of the people. There may be some problem, but the ruling party is tarnishing their images with communal statements, which is unacceptable.”

While the Ramakrishna Mission was established in 1897 by Swami Vivekananda, who has been adopted by the RSS as one of its icons, the Sevashram Sangha was founded in 1917 by monk Pranabananda Maharaj and is best known for providing humanitarian relief across the country during natural calamities.