West Bengal’s Durga Puja Food Debate: Chief Minister Defends Constitutional Freedom Amid Religious Controversy

During the lead-up to Durga Puja, self-styled seer Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of Bageshwar Dham urged Bengali Hindus to abandon non-vegetarian food, labeling meat-based offerings “dirty” and calling those who continue to eat them “pakhandi.” His remarks, delivered at a katha in Liluah, Howrah on September 5–6, sparked a statewide dispute over dietary customs. In response, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari publicly defended the right to choose food habits, citing constitutional freedom, and visibly partook in the traditional fish bhog at Kalighat Temple on September 10.

New Indian ExpressSuvendu Adhikari eats fish at Kalighat temple, BJP says let non-veg row end New Indian Express

Bengali culture historically intertwines fish and meat with religious rituals, especially at temples such as Kalighat where fish-based prasad is customary. Shastri’s sermon framed the issue as a moral imperative, linking it to broader nationalist rhetoric. The controversy unfolded shortly after the BJP formed its first state government in West Bengal in May 2026, placing the party’s cultural stance under scrutiny.

Suvendu Adhikari eats fish at Kalighat temple, BJP says let non-veg row end

• The complaints request FIRs and arrests, asserting that the remarks could incite disharmony.

Suvendu Adhikari eats fish bhog at Kalighat amid Bageshwar Baba row: What sparked the controversy

The Congress party’s complaint characterises Shastri’s statements as “derogatory” and alleges they threaten the democratic spirit. Protesters burned photographs of Shastri, leading to at least one arrest, and the party demanded police action against those inciting “disharmony.” These actions illustrate organized opposition to the preacher’s dietary injunctions.

New Indian Express

• “A saint had come to Liluah, he spoke like a saint about nationalism, Akhand Bharat and on culture. Those who want to accept will accept, and those who do not want will not. He did not impose it on anyone,” — Suvendu Adhikari, west bengal chief

New Indian Express

• “Bengalis offer prayers (puspanjali) after eating vegetarian food and they also offer ‘prasad’ with fish.” — Chief Minister, west bengal chief

New Indian Express

• “Today is Kaushiki Amavasya. Today is a very big day in our Sanatan culture, a major worship (Mahapuja). Whether it is Kalighat here or Tarapith there, it is happening simultaneously,” — Suvendu Adhikari, west bengal chief

Suvendu Adhikari eats fish bhog at Kalighat amid Bageshwar Baba row: What sparked the controversy

• “We generally eat ‘luchi’ on Ashtami and goat meat on Navami. We will continue to do that. Nobody can tell the people of West Bengal what they should eat,” — Samik Bhattacharya, west bengal chief

Suvendu Adhikari eats fish bhog at Kalighat amid Bageshwar Baba row: What sparked the controversy

• “What is the controversy? Bengal has always had different religious traditions,” — Suvendu Adhikari, west bengal chief

'What's the controversy': Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari defends fish bhog, says he consumed it after offering prayers

Sources differ on the exact terminology used by Shastri: some describe his language as calling non-vegetarian food “dirty,” while others quote him labeling meat-eaters “pakhandi.” Both descriptors appear in the reporting, but no single source provides a verbatim transcript of the full sermon, leaving the precise wording ambiguous.

Suvendu Adhikari eats fish bhog at Kalighat amid Bageshwar Baba row: What sparked the controversy

Adhikari announced a planned visit to the Baghbazar Gaudiya Math on September 19 to observe Radha Ashtami, during which he will partake in sattvik (pure vegetarian) meals. The scheduled event will further illustrate his stance on religious dietary diversity.

The Hindu