New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said his government would protect “gaumata” and take action against people who insult saints, monks and spiritual leaders. He made the remarks while addressing a mass Bhagavad Gita recital at Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium on Sunday.
The event, organised by the Bangur Jagaran Mancha, saw around 11,000 people recite the Bhagavad Gita together. Adhikari urged people to openly recite and distribute the Gita and Hanuman Chalisa, chant the Hare Krishna mantra and observe religious traditions without fear.
“The winds have changed,” he said, while describing the new government as one committed to protecting traditional Hindu symbols and practices. He also said people who insult sadhus, saints and mahants would face imprisonment.
Referring to the recent visit of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, to Bengal, Adhikari said religious leaders should be free to preach their beliefs. He alleged that photographs and effigies of Shastri had been burned and said action had been taken against those involved.
Adhikari also urged people to remain united and vigilant against what he described as the “tukde tukde gang”. He criticised former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over remarks concerning “azadi” and said India had achieved independence in 1947.
The chief minister said he attended the programme not only in his official capacity but also “as a Sanatani”.
He recalled earlier large scale Gita recitation programmes in Kolkata and Siliguri and announced plans for another event involving around 10 lakh participants on December 29. He said RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat may attend the programme.
Adhikari also said spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya had expressed interest in visiting Bengal during Makar Sankranti and holding a large religious gathering at Brigade Parade Ground.
