Kolkata : Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ate fish while seated inside the Maa Kali temple at Kalighat, signaling an apparent attempt by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to put an end to the controversy sparked by Baba Bageshwar’s remarks against consuming non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja.

Dhirendra Shastri, popularly known as Baba Bageshwar, had appealed to Bengalis to abstain from non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. He had also labeled those who consume meat on religious occasions as hypocrites.

Both the BJP and the Congress had dismissed Baba Bageshwar’s statement, yet the controversy persisted. Now, Suvendu Adhikari visited Kalighat and consumed the temple’s bhog (ritual offering), which included fish.

CM Suvendu Adhikari visited Kalighat yesterday evening on the occasion of Kaushiki Amavasya, a day considered auspicious by Shakta Hindus.

In a video, the Chief Minister was seen sitting on the floor and eating the bhog, which included a large fish head—a signature element of the bhog platter at Kalighat. The meal also featured fried fish and Basanti Pulao (yellow rice).

At Kalighat, there is a tradition of offering fish and the meat of sacrificed goats to the presiding deity, Maa Kali. Devotees subsequently partake of this prasad (sanctified offering).

The BJP in Bengal has frequently faced allegations of attempting to impose vegetarian dietary habits from northern states upon a region where meat consumption is the norm; however, the party has repeatedly denied such claims.

Meanwhile, the video of Suvendu Adhikari consuming meat inside the temple clearly signals that the vegetarian-versus-non-vegetarian debate should be put to rest.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari stated, “The controversy should end right where it ought to.” The Chief Minister participates in the traditional fish bhog offering to Goddess Kali at Kalighat—a tribute to Bengal’s faith, traditions, and way of life. Under his leadership, the BJP will always stand firm for the interests of Bengal, its traditions, and what is right for the state.