KOLKATA — Amid an ongoing national debate over dietary choices during religious festivals, senior BJP leader and West Bengal Assembly Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari offered prayers at Kolkata’s historic Kalighat Temple on the occasion of Kaushiki Amavasya and partook of the traditional temple bhog, which included fried fish, fish head, and basanti pulao.
The incident comes shortly after spiritual preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri (Bageshwar Baba) sparked a row during a recent visit to West Bengal, where he urged Bengali Hindus to abstain from consuming non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja.
Key Highlights of the Event
Adhering to Sacred Tradition: At the centuries-old Kalighat temple, offerings of fish and goat meat to Goddess Kali are a centuries-old ritual, which are subsequently served to devotees as prasad.
Respecting Diverse Beliefs: Speaking to reporters after partaking of the bhog, Suvendu Adhikari clarified that religious leaders are entitled to their personal views, but Bengal’s rich cultural customs remain central. He noted that while he personal adheres to a sattvik (vegetarian) diet on specific holy days like Mahashtami, he fully honors traditional temple offerings.
BJP’s Stance on the Controversy: BJP leaders emphasized that the video should put an end to the "veg vs. non-veg" debate.
Party spokespersons reaffirmed that the BJP respects Bengal’s distinct food habits, heritage, and religious rituals, emphasizing that traditional local customs must be honored.
