Madhya Pradesh preacher's meat remark at Bengal Durga Puja sparks political row

Madhya Pradesh-based preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, known as Bageshwar Baba, triggered a political and cultural controversy in West Bengal with remarks about non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. While addressing a three-day Hanuman Katha event in Lilua, Howrah district, he questioned the presence of meat consumption near Durga Puja pandals, calling it "dirty food" and labeling meat-eaters as "hypocrites."

Shastri claimed that impure, non-vegetarian food is prepared and consumed around pandals during Navratri and Durga Puja, urging people to remove those engaged in such practices as they are unholy and disrespecting dharma. A video of his remarks went viral, drawing sharp reactions from the local Bengali community.

The Congress party filed a complaint on September 8, demanding an FIR against Shastri and his arrest. Congress workers staged protests outside Bhavanipore police station, with written complaints also lodged at Kolkata Police headquarters and other stations.