‘Outsiders can’t dictate Bengali food habits’: Congress hits out at Bageshwar Baba

The Congress party has lodged a complaint against Bageshwar Dham chief priest Dhirendra Krishna Shastri over his controversial remarks about Bengali food habits during Durga Puja. Shastri had urged people not to cook or eat fish or meat during the festival, calling those who did "pakhandi" (fraud), leading to a public outcry. The Opposition party accused Shastri of making divisive remarks about Bengali identity, which could undermine social harmony.

Pradeep Prasad, president of the South Kolkata District Congress, and Manas Sarkar, Central Kolkata District Congress president, filed complaints with the Bhabanipur and Kolkata Police stations, respectively, seeking an FIR and legal action. They argued that only Bengalis, regardless of language or background, should dictate what is eaten during the festival.

Shastri's comments were seen as disrespectful to Bengali culture and traditions, particularly Durga Puja, which has a long-standing culinary tradition involving fish and meat offerings. The Congress demanded the police investigate the allegations thoroughly and, if warranted, take legal action against Shastri. The party also called for Shastri's arrest, if found guilty.