We don’t endorse monk’s remarks on Mamata: Bharat Sevashram

Kolkata: Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) said it didn’t endorse the “avoidable” statements made by its Beldanga unit chief Swami Pradiptananda against Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee even as the monk sent a legal notice to the CM and later took to the streets in Behrampore to protest against her.
A few hours after Banerjee singled out Swami Pradiptananda for being a “BJP stooge” while reiterating at an unscheduled public rally in Bankura that she had immense regard for BSS’s work, seniors at BSS spoke of the “respect” that the order had for the CM.
BSS principal secretary, headquarters, Swami Biswatmananda, said that the order respected Banerjee “for the work she does for the poor”. He added that Swami Pradiptananda's statements were made in his personal capacity and “not endorsed” by the order. “This should not have been said. It is unfortunate. No permission was sought from us (BSS headquarters). We will inquire into it,” he said.
Swami Pradiptananda told reporters in Behrampore: “In my legal notice, I stated that the CM’s false accusations have caused reactions among monks and devotees. (In the notice, I asked her to) provide proof for the allegations she made. Else, she should issue an unconditional apology.”
He said Banerjee’s comments were highly libellous and sought a reply in the next four days failing which he would take legal action.
At his protest march in the evening, Kartik Maharaj said: “All parties have cordial relations with me. Even TMC leaders have come to meet me. So did Congress and BJP leaders. In Beldanga, a section of people considers me to be their guardian. There is no politics in it.”
“I had earlier provided legal assistance against the vandalism and looting of shops...in Suti area... I have taken to the streets against the TMC MLA’s 70:30 statement,” he said.