Kolkata, 28 May (H.S.) : West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited the ISKCON headquarters at Mayapur in Nadia district on Thursday, marking his first visit to the temple complex after assuming office as Chief Minister.

After holding an administrative meeting in Kalyani earlier this week, the Chief Minister arrived in Mayapur on Thursday morning at the invitation of the ISKCON management. He travelled by helicopter from Dumurjala in Howrah and landed at the Mayapur helipad around 11 am, where he was welcomed by monks and temple authorities.

Following his arrival, Suvendu Adhikari proceeded directly to the ISKCON cowshed, where he took part in a special worship ceremony dedicated to cows. He also participated in the gau seva programme and fed fodder to the cows.

The Chief Minister later visited the main Chandradoy Temple complex, where he joined special prayers and a yajna. He also held discussions with monks and spiritual leaders at the temple.

Tight security arrangements were put in place across the Mayapur temple premises ahead of the Chief Minister’s visit. The atmosphere in the area turned festive from the morning itself, with devotional music and kirtans.

Political observers are viewing the visit as significant not only from a spiritual perspective but also in terms of its political messaging. Notably, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also attended an ISKCON event in Mayapur earlier this year in February, during which Suvendu Adhikari was present alongside him.

Earlier this month, the Chief Minister had also visited Belur Math, where he met senior monks and received books on Swami Vivekananda along with floral greetings. During that visit, he had emphasised the importance of education, healthcare, service and spirituality.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey