Tensions Rise in West Bengal Over Mass Bhagavad Gita Recital

West Bengal's political climate heats up as Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari criticizes Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for not attending a mass Bhagavad Gita recital. The event, attended by over 5 lakh people, was organized by Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad and sparked debate over religious and political allegiances.

In West Bengal, political tensions escalated as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari publicly chastised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, branding her as 'anti-Hindu.' The controversy emerged following her decision to abstain from participating in a mass recital of the Bhagavad Gita in Kolkata, attended by over 5 lakh people.

Responding to inquiries from reporters, Adhikari asserted, "She is anti-Hindu. On the stage were figures like Bageshwar Dham Sarkar Acharya Dhirendra Krishna Shastri and Sadhvi Ritambhara. None bore BJP flags. Our participation was purely as Hindus." This came after CM Banerjee labeled the event as a BJP-backed gathering, citing her inability to attend due to her differing ideological stance.

The recital, organized by Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad, has been praised by BJP members such as Dilip Ghosh, who view it as a manifestation of 'mass awakening of Hindus.' With the aim of uniting Hindus, the event featured participation from nationwide saints and was hailed by dignitaries like Padma Shri awardee Kartik Maharaj for its significance.

(With inputs from agencies.)