Fake monk? Ramakrishna Sarada Mission denies link to saffron-clad man at Mamata’s SIR protest

The man, who introduced himself as a monk and claimed to be the president of the Minakhan Ramakrishna Sarada Mission, had appeared alongside Banerjee during the ruling party’s sit-in demonstration at Kolkata’s Esplanade Metro Channel on March 6. 

However, the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission has now clarified that it has no such branch and no monk holding that position.

Mission issues public clarification

In a public notice released by the organisation from its headquarters in Dakshineswar, the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission categorically rejected the claims made by the individual.

The statement, issued by General Secretary Pravrajika Atandraprana, said the organisation does not operate any branch in Minakhan. 

It further clarified that the claim that a male monk serves as the president of such a branch is entirely false.

Clarification from Ramkrishna Sarada Mission

The notice said the organisation had been alerted to the matter through devotees and media reports about a person publicly claiming to represent the mission. 

It stressed that the institution has no connection with the individual or the statements he made at the protest gathering.

The mission also emphasised that it formally dissociates itself from any such claims or public statements made in its name.

Monk’s claims at protest

During the protest event organised by the ruling party, the saffron-clad man alleged that his name had been removed from the voter list despite being included in the electoral rolls during the 2002 revision.

He claimed to have served as president of the Minakhan branch of the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission for the past 14 years and criticised the SIR exercise conducted in the state.

Addressing the gathering, he said several people had allegedly been removed from the electoral rolls and claimed that he could present others at the venue whose names had also been deleted.

The man stated that he had approached the chief minister with the hope that the ongoing revision exercise would be cancelled.

Mamata Banerjee’s reaction

After the individual spoke at the protest, Mamata Banerjee criticised the electoral revision exercise and referred to the alleged removal of the monk’s name from the voter list.

She said it was unfortunate that even a monk whose name had appeared in earlier electoral rolls was being affected by the revision process.

The protest itself was organised to oppose the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission in West Bengal, which the ruling party claims has led to the removal of legitimate voters.

Legal warning over use of name

In its notice, the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission also warned against unauthorised use of its name and symbols.

The organisation stated that the names “Sri Sarada Math” and “The Ramakrishna Sarada Mission,” along with their official emblems and logos, are protected under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.

It added that any individual or organisation using these names or symbols without proper authority could face legal action under the provisions of the law.

Background of the Mission

The notice also highlighted the historical background of the institution. 

Sri Sarada Math was established in 1954 and later registered in 1959 under the guidance of the Ramakrishna Math at Belur Math.

The Ramakrishna Sarada Mission was subsequently formed in 1960 by the trustees of Sri Sarada Math to carry out educational, cultural and charitable work.

The mission clarified that its activities and organisational structure do not include the branch claimed by the individual present at the protest.