KOLKATA — West Bengal's political landscape simmered with cultural tension this week as Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari delivered a robust defense of personal freedom, weighing in on a heated debate about food choices during religious festivals. Speaking at a summit on Saturday, Adhikari positioned constitutional rights squarely against recent comments from spiritual figures questioning traditional Bengali practices.

Key facts

  • Adhikari spoke at a private news channel summit on September 12, 2026
  • His comments responded to controversial remarks by Bageshwar Baba
  • The CM referenced his own participation in both non-vegetarian and vegetarian rituals
  • He emphasized constitutional protections written by Babasaheb Ambedkar

Constitutional Protections and Personal Choice

Adhikari's voice carried measured conviction as he addressed the gathering. "Dharma gurus of different faiths express their views," he acknowledged. "It's for people to decide whether they want to accept them or not. Our great Constitution, written by Babasaheb Ambedkar, has given you the freedom."

The Chief Minister's remarks struck at the heart of a growing controversy surrounding godman Dhirendra Shastri, known popularly as Bageshwar Baba, who had reportedly described non-vegetarian food as "dirty" and called for restrictions during Durga Puja celebrations.

A Personal Demonstration of Tradition

Adhikari didn't just speak in abstractions. He grounded his argument in vivid personal experience, describing his recent visit to Kolkata's Kalighat temple on Kaushiki Amavasya. "I offered prayers to Maa Kali at Kalighat," he recounted. "After that, I had Basanti pulao with fish, including its head, which had been offered to the goddess."

Yet he also demonstrated balance, noting his planned visit to Baghbazar Gaudiya Math on Radha Ashtami where he would accept 'satvik' vegetarian food. This nuanced approach highlighted the diversity of practices within Hindu traditions themselves.

"We have the right to follow Vaishnav traditions or other traditions. This right has been given to us by our religion and also by the Constitution. But what kind of right or freedom of speech is it to target someone, make videos around them and hurl obscene abuses at them?"

The Bigger Picture

Adhikari's comments reflect broader tensions between progressive constitutional values and conservative religious interpretations in modern India. His defense of pluralism comes as similar debates about food, faith, and freedom continue to surface across the country.

The Chief Minister's stance positions him as a defender of regional Bengali traditions while acknowledging the diversity of practices within Hinduism itself. How this plays out in West Bengal's complex political and cultural landscape remains to be seen.