Suvendu Adhikari eats fish bhog at Kalighat Temple amid Bageshwar Baba row — big message from Bengal CM?

Adhikari visited the temple and offered prayers to Goddess Kali on the occasion of Kaushiki Amavasya.

However, what grabbed eyeballs was the bhog he consumed, which included a large fish head and fried fish.

Suvendu Adhikari with other BJP leaders at Kalighat Temple. Photo: BJP Media Team

Adhikari's fish bhog draws attention

The Chief Minister's public consumption of non-vegetarian bhog is being viewed as a political and cultural response to the ongoing debate over food choices during Durga Puja.

The controversy erupted after Dhirendra Shastri, chief priest of Bageshwar Dham, called for a ban on non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja.

Shastri also described people who consume non-vegetarian food during the festival as "pakhandi", a Hindi term meaning hypocrite, imposter or fraud.

BJP distances itself from Bageshwar Baba's remark

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has distanced itself from Shastri's comments.

BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya also disapproved of the "pakhandi" remark.

However, the controversy continued to generate public criticism over the participation of Adhikari and his ministers at the religious gathering.

Adhikari also urged Bageshwar Baba to open a franchise in West Bengal, where the BJP formed its first government in 2026.

Suvendu Adhikari offering prayers at Kalighat Temple. Photo: BJP Media Team

Congress protest sparks fresh confrontation

The controversy escalated further on Thursday after Adhikari directed police to arrest Congress workers who had burnt a portrait of the self-styled godman during protests.

Atanu Das, Congress Kolkata general secretary, who had filed a complaint against Bageshwar Baba over his remarks, was arrested hours after Adhikari's directive to the police.

"These things won't be allowed in West Bengal," the Chief Minister warned protesters in the Assembly on Thursday.