The state BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya (left) emphasised that Dhirendra Shastri's remarks were his own views. (File Photos/Enhanced using AI)A day after the chief priest of Madhya Pradesh’s Bageshwar Dham, Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, kicked up a row in West Bengal by appealing to people not to cook or eat fish or meat during Durga Puja festivities, describing those who do so as “pakhandi (fraud)”, state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said no one can prescribe what people should eat or wear.“On Ashtami (the eighth day of festivities), Bengalis eat luchi, and on Navami, Bengalis eat mutton. So, they will keep eating that,” Bhattacharya said, adding, “Whether to give importance or not to any statement, whether Bengalis will give importance to his words or not is entirely a matter for Bengalis to decide. There is no politics involved in this.”The state BJP chief emphasised that Shastri’s remarks were his own views. “Right now, campaigns promoting vegetarianism are held. Many doctors are also saying it. But what you eat at home, will a sadhu determine that? Will a political party decide that? Bengalis will eat what they always have. Will Bengalis not eat fish? Will Bengalis not eat meat? Even Swami Vivekananda approved of this and who stands above him? The Goddess Kali here consumes mutton. I haven’t found anyone greater than Swami Vivekananda yet. If someone suddenly rises above him, that’s dangerous. So, there is no question of accepting such ideas. This is his opinion,” Bhattacharya said.Also Read | No liquor sale on Maha Asthami, no DJs, roadblocks: BJP government in Bengal outlines new Puja rulesThe BJP leader said Shastri was a highly respected figure and “enjoys massive popularity” across the country. “He has made an appeal. He has every right to do so. You can make an appeal too. Don’t people make appeals to leave drugs? … If you start eating fatty mutton every day, is that good for your health? Think about it. However, regarding what he said, there is no need for any controversy. As I say, let us remain as we are. Let me be as I am.”On Sunday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and his entire Cabinet hosted Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, for dinner at a state-run guesthouse in Kolkata.Following Shastri’s comments, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) released a statement targeting the BJP and the government. “Bageshwar Baba was given a grand welcome by Suvendu Adhikari. Then, in Bengal, he called for banning non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. Is this the BJP’s plan to take fish and meat off Bengali plates? Is that why restaurants face raids before Puja? Bengal will resist,” it said.Also Read | Why Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari apologised for a government adState Congress president Subhankar Sarkar accused the BJP of insulting the people of Bengal. “It is evident that they don’t have control of Bengal locally; the remote is in Delhi’s hands. Who is Dhirendra Shastri? Why is he being given such importance? This is nothing but the actual nature of the BJP. It always speaks in this language,” he told The Indian Express.Story continues below this ad“Why should people do that (follow Shastri’s appeal)? If the government runs with the intention to appease someone, it is not good for society,” said CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty.Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read MoreTanusree Bose is a dedicated journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Kolkata. Her work focuses sharply on the complex administrative, political, and judicial developments across West Bengal, establishing her as an authoritative voice in regional news coverage. Experience Current Role: Reports for the prestigious national daily, The Indian Express, providing her content with a high level of Trustworthiness. Geographical Expertise: Provides focused, in-depth coverage of West Bengal, demonstrating an intimate knowledge of the state's news and political nuances. Core Authority: Her reporting portfolio highlights deep Expertise in crucial, often sensitive, beats, including: State Politics and Governance: Covering the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), opposition strategies (BJP), and internal political controversies. Judicial and Administrative Affairs: Closely monitoring key developments in the Calcutta High Court, particularly major rulings related to employment, education, and social issues. Education Sector: Extensive reporting on significant controversies, such as teacher recruitment irregularities and administrative actions by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE). Social & Electoral Issues: Covering public events, community tensions (e.g., religious/political gatherings), and election-related processes like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. Tanusree Bose's consistent output and focus on high-stakes regional issues for a trusted media outlet underscore her status as a reliable and authoritative source for news from West Bengal. ... Read More