Bageshwar Baba at the Howrah event Howrah: Spiritual leader Dhirendra Krishna Shastri during Janmashtami celebrations in Liluah, Howrah, West Bengal, on Thursday, September 03, 2026. (Photo: IANS)
Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress claimed the govt should apologise, alleging that the “Baba” was treated as a state guest. 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. 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. 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.
the Bengal Congress lodged a police complaint against Shastri for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of Bengalis and stoking communal disharmony While BJP netas insisted that his remarks should not be over-interpreted. 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. 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. Despite these clarifications, the political storm continued to brew.
Kolkata: The controversy sparked by Bageshwar Dham Peethadhishwar Dhirendra Krishna Shastri — who called for a boycott of people who consume non-vegetarian food during Navratri — refused to die down on Tuesday.