A day after Dhirendra Shastri, the chief priest of Bageshwar Dham, questioned Bengalis’ use of non-vegetarian cuisine during Durga Puja, West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya denied Shastri’s request, statinghat he has no authority to determine what Bengalis will eat during the celebration.
Shastri was recently greeted with great enthusiasm by the BJP government after being denied permission to hold religious activities in West Bengal during the Trinamool regime. During a pravachan (religious or spiritual talk) in Howrah on Sunday, he urged Bengali Hindus to observe Navaratri and called for a ban on the selling of non-vegetarian food close to Durga idols during the holiday.
Shastri, also known as Bageshwar Baba, stated that one should worship the goddess with love and sincerity while following the required rites even if it is not possible to erect a Durga idol at home or in the neighborhood. “Who wants non-vegetarian food to no longer be sold? Please turn on the lights on your phones to signal this. Everyone in West Bengal must hear this message, and the government must be made aware of the problem. During Durga Puja, West Bengali meat and liquor stores ought to be closed,” according to Shastri.
“Those who consume non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja are impious,” Shastri said.
Bengalis engaged in heated debate over Shastri’s words, with many on social media characterizing it as an assault on Bengalis’ long-standing cultural heritage and eating customs.
State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya stated during the controversy that Shastri is from “another world” and that Bengalis shouldn’t be alarmed by his comments.
“Bageshwar Baba is from a different ‘dunia’. Bageswar Baba has no authority to determine what Bengalis should and shouldn’t consume. Bengalis will consume both beef and fish. Vivekananda has advocated for Bengalis to consume fish and meat. Although we hold Bageswar Baba in high regard, Bengalis shouldn’t be alarmed by his remarks”, Bhattacharya stated. In response to the controversy, opposition leaders have also denounced Shastri’s remarks.
“What would happen to the freedom of the people of Bengal if someone from outside comes and fixes everything? Committees for Durga Puja shall worship as individuals choose. They’ll abide by the regulations. What role does Baba Bageshwar play in this?” stated Saugata Roy, a member of the Trinamool Congress.
“No BJP Baba can decide what Bengalis will eat on Durgapuja,” West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Suman Roy Chowdhury declared, “We would not permit that to occur.”
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