Swami Pardipatanand of Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS), also known as Kartik Maharaj, on Monday sent a legal notice to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanding an apology for her alleged defamatory remarks about the organisation.
Maharaj confirmed to PTI that he had served a legal notice to Banerjee, saying, “If Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had defamed me personally, I would not have been concerned. As a spiritual leader, we are not affected by personal criticism as we are here to serve the people. However, she defamed the organisation, which is unacceptable.”
Sangha national secretary Swami Biswatmananda Maharaj, however, claimed he was unaware of the issue. In the notice, Pradiptananda’s lawyer asked Banerjee to immediately address the press, issue an unconditional apology, and take back her harmful and false statement within 48 hours of receiving the notice. Additionally, cease and desist from making further defamatory statements.
The notice further mentioned that if Banerjee does not respond within four days, it will be assumed that she intends to widely publicise the defamatory content to falsely and maliciously defame Pradiptananda. It added that Pradiptananda, the BSS secretary in Aurangabad, Beldanga (Murshidabad), and Payradanga (Nadia), reserves the right to initiate criminal proceedings against Banerjee.
‘Not against any institution’: Mamata Banerjee reacts
On Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee praised the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha for their philanthropic work. She said she was not against any institution but slammed a few individuals for getting involved in politics.
Banerjee had on Saturday alleged that some monks from the two monastic orders were acting ‘under instructions from the BJP’, these remarks drew sharp criticism from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who claimed she was ‘under pressure from Muslim extremists’ and was threatening these socio-religious organisations to “appease” the TMC’s vote bank.
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At an election rally in Onda, Bankura, Banerjee clarified, “I am not against the Ramakrishna Mission. Why should I be against or insult an institution?” She added, “I have spoken about one or two persons.”
The Chief Minister also praised the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, noting its work for the people.”I had spoken about Kartik Maharaj, he did not allow Trinamool Congress agent to sit (at a polling booth) in Rejinagar,” Banerjee said.
Banerjee claimed that a monk from the Bharat Sevashram Sangha in Murshidabad district was working for the BJP and accused him of instigating people during clashes between two groups in Rejinagar. “If he wants to support the BJP, he can, but he should do it openly,” she said.