New Delhi, September 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised the Congress for seeking an FIR against spiritual leader Dhirendra Shastri over his appeal to Hindus in West Bengal to avoid non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja, accusing the opposition party of indulging in “appeasement politics”.
Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi said filing a case against someone who spoke about maintaining the sanctity of the worship of Maa Durga amounted to appeasement for electoral gains.
“Congress can stoop to any level of appeasement for its vote bank,” Saraogi said, alleging that the party follows a similar approach whenever issues concerning Lord Ram, Lord Hanuman or Maa Bhagwati are raised.
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh said the FIR appeared aimed at demonstrating that the Congress was “still alive”. He maintained that Shastri had merely expressed his opinion and people were free to accept or reject it.
Ghosh also said vegetarians and non-vegetarians had traditionally co-existed in West Bengal without conflict, while stressing that food choices were a personal matter and not a legal issue. He, however, noted that some days are traditionally regarded as holy and people may choose to avoid non-vegetarian food.
BJP chief spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo accused the Congress of selectively targeting religious figures associated with Sanatan Dharma. Referring to remarks by Islamic cleric Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, Deo questioned whether the Congress would adopt the same approach towards Muslim religious leaders.
The Congress, however, accused the BJP of attempting to control the lifestyle choices of ordinary citizens.
Congress MP Amar Singh alleged that the BJP and RSS sought to dictate people’s choices, including what they eat and wear, and said society had moved far beyond such religious considerations.
The controversy has triggered a political debate over religious expression, personal food choices and the role of political parties in matters of faith and lifestyle.
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