The West Bengal Congress has formally registered a police complaint against Bageshwar Baba, the popular Uttarakhand-based spiritual leader, following his controversial remarks on the relationship between meat consumption and Hindu religious practices. The party expressed outrage at what it termed a direct insult to Bengali culture and traditions, particularly concerning the state's beloved Durga Puja celebrations.
Bageshwar Baba, who commands a massiveFollowing his public following on social media and among devotees across India, had recently made statements suggesting that eating meat is part of Hinduism's ancient tradition. His comments were widely interpreted as a critique of the vegetarian practices that many Hindu communities observe during fasting periods and religious festivals. While he did not mention Durga Puja explicitly, the implications drew immediate backlash in West Bengal, where non-vegetarian food—especially fish and mutton—is deeply woven into the festive diet of Durga Puja.
In Bengal, the tradition of consuming meat during the six-day Durga Puja festival is centuries old and holds immense cultural and religious significance. Millions of Bengali Hindus partake in feasts featuring biryani, kormo, and various mutton and fish dishes throughout the celebrations, particularly on the sixth day (Maha Sasthi), the tenth day (Vijaya Dashami), and during the evening aartis. For many families, these meals are not merely culinary but represent an important ritual offering and communal bonding experience.
Congress leaders in West Bengal stated that the guru's remarks appeared to dismiss or look down upon this deeply cherished tradition, framing it as inconsistent with Hinduism rather than recognizing it as one of many valid regional practices within the faith. "His comments are an affront to Bengali sentiment and a disregard for the diverse cultural fabric of our state," said a senior Congress leader. "We have asked the police to take cognizance and initiate appropriate legal proceedings."
The complaint was filed with the Kolkata police and references provisions under the Indian Penal Code related to promoting enmity between different groups and outraging religious feelings. Legal experts note that while registering a complaint does not guarantee charges will follow, it obliges the police to investigate the matter.
Bageshwar Baba has previously courted controversy for his unorthodox views and direct communication style. His followers have grown significantly in recent years, and he has increasingly stepped into socio-political discourse—a move that has alarmed some political parties and secular groups who worry about the influence of religious figures on public opinion.
The incident has reignited debate about the place of regional culinary and religious traditions within the broader framework of Hindu identity in India. Critics of the guru argue that his comments reflect a narrow, homogenizing view of Hinduism that overlooks the rich diversity of practices across different states and communities.
