Avoid non-veg on Durga Puja? 'Meat is core' Sanjeev Sanyal warns Dhirendra Shastri: ‘Interference will not be tolerated’
Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri recently keep non-vegetarian food away from Durga idols during Durga Puja. State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya has reacted to his comments.
Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, chief of Bageshwar Dham, sparked controversy by advising devotees to abstain from non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja, claiming those who consume meat during the festival are impious. Sanjeev Sanyal, PM Narendra Modi's economic advisor, strongly condemned Shastri's remarks on social media, stating that interference with Durga Puja traditions will not be tolerated and emphasizing that meat is integral to Shakta Hinduism and a part of ancient rituals.
Shastri, known as Bageshwar Baba, previously faced restrictions on holding religious events in West Bengal during the Trinamool government's rule, but was now welcomed by the BJP-led administration. He called for a ban on non-vegetarian food sales near Durga idols during the festival and urged Hindus to observe Navaratri. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya dismissed Shastri's comments, stating that people in Bengal eat fish and meat, and citing the historical acceptance of meat consumption by Bengalis.
Meanwhile, West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a ban on liquor shops and bars during Maha Ashtami in preparation for Durga Puja.
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