Kolkata, 08 September (H.S.) : The controversy over a purported appeal against consuming non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja in West Bengal has taken a political turn, with the state Congress filing a written complaint with the Kolkata Police against religious preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba.

The Congress has objected to remarks allegedly made by Shastri about the eating habits of Bengalis and his reported use of terms such as “dirty cooking” and “hypocrite.”

On Tuesday, South Kolkata District Congress president Pradip Prasad submitted a complaint to the officer-in-charge of Bhawanipur police station, seeking registration of an FIR against Shastri and appropriate legal action following an investigation. Central Kolkata District Congress president Manas Sarkar also sent a complaint to the Kolkata Police through email.

In its complaint, the Congress alleged that Shastri made the remarks at an event in Liluah in the presence of prominent individuals, officials and public representatives. The party particularly objected to his reported comments on what Bengalis should or should not eat during Durga Puja.

Prasad said Durga Puja is one of West Bengal’s most important and revered festivals and is deeply associated with the state’s longstanding social, cultural and culinary traditions.

He alleged that making directive or derogatory remarks about the food habits of Bengalis could have a negative impact on social harmony. Prasad further alleged that Shastri used expressions such as “dirty cooking” and “hypocrite” while referring to the issue.

The Congress claimed that such remarks amounted to disrespect towards Bengal’s cultural identity and the sentiments associated with Durga Puja.

The complaint also alleged that the issue was not limited to food habits, but extended to questions of Bengali identity, with the party claiming that the remarks could create divisions among people on the basis of language and identity.

Manas Sarkar said attempts by any individual or organisation to dictate the personal food choices of Bengalis during a public festival like Durga Puja were unacceptable. He stressed the need to respect Bengal’s culture, traditions and social diversity.

The police complaint comes amid a wider political debate over food choices, cultural practices and individual freedom during the Durga Puja festivities in the state.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh