CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: A controversy over food traditions during Durga Puja in West Bengal has escalated into a political confrontation after Congress leader Atanu Das was arrested in Kolkata around midnight following protests against Bageshwar Dham chief Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba.
The controversy began after Shastri, during a programme in Liluah, Howrah, criticised the consumption of fish and meat during Durga Puja and urged people to avoid non-vegetarian food around puja pandals. His comments triggered criticism from political leaders and sections of Bengal society, with opponents arguing that fish and meat are part of the state’s traditional food culture.
The issue intensified when Congress workers staged a protest in Kolkata and allegedly burned photographs of Shastri. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari subsequently directed the Kolkata Police Commissioner to identify and arrest those involved in the incident.
According to reports, Das was arrested around midnight and booked under provisions relating to promoting hatred between religious groups and hurting religious sentiments. The Congress has criticised the action, calling it politically motivated and undemocratic.
Meanwhile, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya and other Bengal leaders have distanced themselves from Shastri’s food-related remarks, stressing that Bengali traditions include fish and mutton during Durga Puja. The controversy has now expanded beyond food habits into a wider debate over cultural identity, religious practices and political freedom in West Bengal.
Hashtags: #WestBengalState #Bhopal #Desksource #Bageshwar #Remarks #Trigger #DeskSource #Midnight #Arrest #Kolkata
