Bageshwar Baba at the Glasgow event
Speaking at a temple in Glasgow at an event organised by Glasgow Indians Association as part of his Sanatan Sangam UK spiritual tour, he said his appeal was specifically against the sale, cooking or consumption of non-vegetarian food in or near puja pandals out of respect for religious sanctity.
During the event, Shastri had said: “Bangal ke Hindus (Hindus of Bengal), we request you that even if you don’t install an idol this Navratri, do not sell non-veg near the deity’s idols during Navratri. He had also said, “Ab Babar wale nahi, Raghuvar wale baithe hain (Now those of Raghuvar, not Babar, are seated). BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya had said: “How can Bengalis not have fish and meat? Even Swami Vivekananda said Ma Kali will have mutton (as an offering).
The MP-based preacher was welcomed by CM Suvendu Adhikari, who, along with members of his cabinet, had dinner with him. We appeal to you all to boycott such places and people. It is dangerous if someone tries to rise above Vivekananda.”He, however, added that there was no sin in advocating vegetarianism.
The controversy had begun after his remarks at an event in Howrah on Sunday where he criticised the consumption of meat during the festival.
At Glasgow, Shastri said his opposition to animal sacrifice was based on his personal belief. “What kind of mother takes the sacrifice of her own child? And besides, if the Mother has to take a sacrifice, she will take it herself. Why are you the ones slaughtering? It proves that you are doing it for yourselves.”