The West Bengal Government proudly announced a remarkable milestone in this year’s Ganga Sagar Mela, claiming a record-breaking turnout of about one crore pilgrims on Sagar Island till 3 p.m. on January 15. While the state ministers celebrate the achievement, skepticism surrounds the credibility of these numbers.
Improvements from Previous Years
According to Arup Biswas, Minister of State for Power, Sports, and Youth Affairs, the increased number of pilgrims is attributed to improved arrangements compared to the previous year. In 2023, around 80 lakh pilgrims visited the island, and this year’s figures have soared to one crore, as per official claims.
Political Perspective
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had predicted this surge in her letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the significance of the event. However, political observers, including opposition parties and analysts, remain doubtful about the credibility of the stated numbers.
Bharatiya Janata Party’s Response
The State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership has dismissed the figures as “statistical jugglery.” They argue that the Trinamool Congress is using the event to gain political mileage, especially in the context of the upcoming Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22.
Academic Perspective
Biswanath Chakraborty, a Professor of Political Science, suggests that the Trinamool Congress is leveraging the Ganga Sagar Mela for political advantage, portraying itself as a supporter of Hinduism against the perceived ‘pseudo-Hinduism’ of the BJP. He questions the feasibility of sustaining one crore people on the island in just a few days.
Arrangements and Challenges
Despite elaborate arrangements and the deployment of 14,000 police personnel, incidents of theft have been reported. The state’s Transport Minister, Snehasish Chakraborty, highlighted the installation of anti-fog lights and the deployment of 3,500 buses to facilitate pilgrim transportation.
Pilgrim Satisfaction and Demand for National Status
Ministers claim that pilgrims expressed happiness and support for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The government reiterates its demand for according ‘National Mela’ status to the Ganga Sagar Mela, emphasizing its significance as the country’s number one mela.
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