PM Modi Slams Opposition for Mocking Religious Traditions, Announces Cancer Institute at Bageshwar Dham

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Opposition on Sunday, accusing them of mocking religious traditions and attempting to divide society. His remarks come in the wake of criticism over the Maha Kumbh Mela by several opposition leaders.

Opposition Leaders Accused of Undermining Faith

Addressing a gathering in Chhattarpur, Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi condemned politicians who, he claimed, ridicule faith and cultural practices. He described them as people with a "slave mentality", alleging that they attempt to weaken India’s religious heritage with support from foreign forces.

"Nowadays, we see a group of leaders who mock religion, ridicule it, and divide people. Many times, foreign powers try to weaken the country and religion by supporting such people. Those who hate the Hindu faith have existed for centuries," PM Modi said, without naming specific leaders.

He further accused opposition parties of deliberately targeting temples, traditions, and festivals, with an agenda to disrupt societal unity. "They dare to attack a religion and culture that has always been progressive. Their motive is to divide society and break its unity," he added.

PM Modi Praises Dhirendra Shastri, Announces Cancer Hospital

During his speech, PM Modi praised Bageshwar Dham’s spiritual leader, Dhirendra Shastri, for promoting unity and announced a major healthcare initiative—a cancer institute at the religious site.

"Dhirendra Shastri has long been spreading the message of unity. Now, he has taken another significant step for society—building a cancer institute. Here at Bageshwar Dham, people will receive not only spiritual blessings but also healthcare support," the PM said.

BJP’s Counterattack Over Maha Kumbh Criticism

The BJP has been fiercely opposing remarks made by opposition leaders regarding the Maha Kumbh Mela. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sparked controversy by calling the event 'Mrityu Kumbh', citing deaths due to stampedes in Prayagraj and Delhi.

Other leaders have also raised concerns over the event’s scale and expenditure:

🔹 Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the cost of arrangements.

🔹 Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that "thousands" had died in stampedes.

🔹 Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan alleged that dead bodies were thrown into the Ganga.

🔹 RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav dismissed the Kumbh gathering as useless.

With political tensions rising, the BJP is expected to intensify its defense of religious traditions and counter what it describes as attacks on Hindu faith and cultural heritage.