Politics over ‘Baba’ address refuses to die down, Cong lodges plaint
Times of India | 9 September 2026BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh, who organises one of north Kolkata’s biggest Durga Pujas, told reporters: “We will neither learn from him nor listen to what he says. We will follow the wisdom passed down by our forefathers. As for this Baba’s statements, we will accept whatever good there is and reject the rest — it is as simple as that.”
Senior minister Agnimitra Paul told reporters, “What Bageshwar Baba said may apply to non-Bengali states across India where people observe Navratri with vegetarian food. But he fails to realise that Bengalis wait the entire year for Durga Puja to feast on delicacies like mutton, hilsa, and prawns. He simply does not understand our traditions.” She added, “Our party leadership has made it clear: Bengalis should be free to decide what they eat and wear. No outsider can dictate these choices to us. Bageshwar Dham Baba’s comments reflect his personal views, and there is no need to politicise the issue.”
Senior minister Dilip Ghosh also weighed in, highlighting Bengal’s deep-rooted cultural practices. “Bengal has a long-standing tradition of goat sacrifice during Durga Puja, where the meat is consumed as prasad. Eating goat meat here is not a matter of controversy,” he said, noting that non-vegetarian offerings have historically been associated with various forms of worship in the state. “Swami Vivekananda himself remarked that as long as the nation exists, Mother Kali will accept goat offerings and Lord Shiva will play his damru,” he added, clarifying that while he personally only consumes fish, everyone should have the freedom to eat what they prefer.
Despite these clarifications, the political storm continued to brew. In a complaint submitted to the OC of Bhowanipore PS, the South Kolkata District Congress Committee alleged that Shastri made “derogatory” remarks during an event in Howrah on Sept 5. “Immediate administrative action must be initiated, an FIR registered, and necessary arrests made,” said Committee president Pradip Prasad, warning that such statements threaten social harmony and violate democratic values.
Trinamool mounted a fresh attack, with party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh telling reporters: “We are neither for nor against such Babas. However, he has insulted Bengalis, and Bengalis everywhere — whether here or abroad — must protest this. The authorities who hosted him should apologise. In his public address, he effectively branded Bengalis who eat non-vegetarian food during Navratri as pakhandis (impostors). If such comments do not offend you, you simply lack a heart.”
