West Bengal CM backs religious preacher in meat controversy during Puja

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has intervened in a controversy involving a religious preacher who sought exemption from consuming meat during the Durga Puja festival. The CM's office has directed the Kolkata Police Commissioner to initiate arrests against those responsible for burning the preacher's photographs outside Bhawanipore police station.

The incident reflects ongoing tensions surrounding religious practices and personal dietary choices during major festivals in the state. The preacher's request to abstain from meat during the Puja period, a significant religious and cultural observance in Bengal, apparently triggered the hostile response from some quarters.

Adhikari's directive represents an official stance supporting the preacher's right to make personal religious choices. The decision to pursue criminal action against those who destroyed the photographs underscores the government's position on protecting religious freedom and preventing acts of public defacement.

The controversy highlights the sensitive nature of religious practices in West Bengal, where Durga Puja remains one of the most significant cultural events. The intervention by the state's top official signals the government's commitment to maintaining communal harmony during festival seasons and protecting individuals' rights to practice their faith according to personal conviction.