Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari directed the police to arrest those who allegedly burnt a picture of self-styled religious preacher Dhirendra Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, outside Bhawanipur police station.
Bageshwar Baba’s remarks triggered widespread protests
The controversy erupted after Bageshwar Baba, during a recent religious programme, spoke against eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. His remarks triggered widespread anger and protests across West Bengal, with many objecting to what they described as an attack on Bengali identity and culture.
Complaint filed against controversial religious preacher
A complaint was also lodged against the religious preacher at Bhawanipur police station. Subsequently, allegations emerged that his picture and an effigy were burnt outside the police station.
Speaking in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari said, “I have directed the CP that everyone who burnt the picture should be arrested.”
Preacher’s views were not imposed: Suvendu
He also referred to the controversy surrounding Bageshwar Baba’s remarks on non-vegetarian food. He said a religious preacher had recently visited the state and expressed his views, adding that people were free to accept or reject them.
Suvendu said the preacher had not imposed his views on anyone. However, he noted that there had been considerable controversy over the remarks and that the preacher’s picture had subsequently been burnt outside Bhawanipur police station.
Taking a dig at the ruling party, Suvendu also said, “You have practised appeasement politics for a long time, and that is why you are in this situation today.” He claimed that the BJP currently had 207 MLAs and said the party’s strength would increase further after the by-elections. Suvendu also warned of a strong electoral contest in Rejinagar.
Bageshwar advised against non-vegetarian food
The controversy began ahead of Durga Puja after Bageshwar Baba, during a religious programme, reportedly described those who eat non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja as “hypocrites” and advised people to give up non-vegetarian food during the festival.
BJP leaders rejected Bageshwar’s food remarks
However, several BJP leaders distanced themselves from the religious preacher’s remarks. BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya said the culture and food habits of Bengalis would not change because of advice from an outsider religious preacher.
Other BJP leaders, including Sukanta Majumdar and Dilip Ghosh, also rejected the controversy over non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja.
Government said food habits would remain untouched
The state government had also indicated that it would not interfere with the food habits of Bengalis. While the government would respect people’s individual choices regarding food, Suvendu made it clear that insulting a religious preacher visiting the state would not be tolerated.
