The BJP said CM Adhikari eating the fish bhog at Kolkata’s Kalighat Temple reflected Bengal’s long-established Shakta traditions and dietary customs. West Bengal Chief Minister and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari ate traditional fish bhog at Kolkata’s Kalighat Temple during Kaushiki Amavasya, bringing fresh attention to the row over Dhirendra Shastri’s call for Bengalis to avoid non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja.
He said the meal included fish head, fried fish and basanti pulao. CM Adhikari visited Kalighat Temple on Kaushiki Amavasya, an important occasion for many Shakta devotees. Video from the visit showed him sitting on the floor and eating temple bhog.
West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said, “Bageshwar Baba comes from another ‘dunia’, according to media reports. CM Adhikari said the Bageshwar Baba was entitled to express a personal opinion, and people were equally free to accept or reject it. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said, “I am a Sanatani Hindu, according to media reports. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said CM Adhikari’s participation in the traditional fish bhog showed respect for Bengal’s religious customs. Under his leadership, the BJP will always stand firmly for Bengal’s interests, Bengal’s traditions, and what is right for Bengal,” said BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari.
The BJP used Adhikari’s visit to push back against claims that the party wants to impose vegetarian food practices associated with parts of northern India on Bengal. He has no right to decide what the people of Bengal will eat and what they will not eat. Bengalis will eat fish and meat. Swami Vivekananda spoke in favour of Bengalis consuming meat and fish. We have great respect for Bageshwar Baba, but Bengalis need not pay heed to this comment. On Mahashtami, when I worship Maa Durga, I consume sattvik food. During Kartik month also, I consume sattvik food. At the same time, I consume non-vegetarian food such as goat meat offered to Maa Kali. I ate that. A Hindu priest had admonished the Bengali Hindus who consume non-veg during Durga Puja. At Kalighat, CM @SuvenduWB takes part in Maa Kali’s traditional Fish Bhog – respecting Bengal’s faith, traditions, and way of life.
Earlier reporting noted: But when Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari relished fish at the centuries-old Kalighat temple in Kolkata, the focus wasn’t on his plate but on remarks that have echoed in the city over the past week. Earlier reporting noted: Taking a cue from Adhikari’s video, the ruling party suggested that it should end the veg-non-veg debate. Earlier reporting noted: “Let the controversy end where it should.
Today, the bhog offered at the temple had fish head, fried fish, and basanti pulao.
