‘Different ways of worship’: Dilip Ghosh defends Suvendu Adhikari’s fish Bhog at temple

Newtown: West Bengal Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, visited the Kalighat Temple on the occasion of Kaushiki Amavasya and partook of the traditional bhog offered at the temple, which included sweets, basanti pulao and fish. Reacting to this, West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh on Saturday said that different people follow different methods of worship and ways of life, and that personal religious preferences should not become a subject of controversy.

Speaking to reporters, Ghosh said, “In many places, fish is offered as prasad in temples. There are different methods of worship, ways of life and personal preferences. So, this should not be a subject of discussion. Everyone should make their own decisions and be left to decide for themselves.”

His remarks came days after Dhirendra Krishna Garg, 30, chief priest of Bageshwar Dham, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, visited West Bengal to attend the three-day Hanumant Katha programme at Liluah in Howrah district. On Saturday, he was hosted by Adhikari for dinner.

Addressing devotees at Liluah, Bageshwar Baba had said, “Please don’t mind, but there is something I don’t like about West Bengal. During Navratri and Durga Puja, non-vegetarian food is consumed near the pandals. All sorts of dirty food is prepared.”

“I want every Hindu to wake up during the coming Navratri and expel those people. They are not pious. They are sacrilegious,” he had added.

Responding indirectly to the religious leader’s remarks, West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya had said, “How can Bengalis not eat fish and meat?” He dismissed Bageshwar Baba’s comments as his “personal opinion”.

Ghosh also commented on the ongoing row over the Trinamool Congress’ name and election symbol. He said, “Whether the ‘twin flowers on grass’ symbol will actually remain or not, all this discussion will continue until the Election Commission’s decision arrives.”

Reacting to Trinamool Congress representatives travelling to Delhi to meet the Election Commission, Ghosh said, “Many people go to Delhi; they have also gone. Wait and watch. The Speaker and the Election Commission will think about what Trinamool Congress’ future is in this matter. The decision will come from there only.”

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India is expected to take a decision on the dispute concerning the Trinamool Congress’ party name, election symbol and funds, with claims being made by both the Mamata Banerjee camp and the faction led by MLA Ritabrata Banerjee.

The ECI has called representatives of both sides for separate meetings in New Delhi on Saturday over their competing claims to the party’s organisational control, name, assets and election symbol.

IANS