Suvendu Adhikari warns of jail for insulting Hindu monks

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has said action will be taken against those who insult sadhus, saints and sages. He gave this warning during a Gita recitation event at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday, attended by around eleven thousand people. From the same platform, he also spoke about the Gita recitation, Hanuman Chalisa and other religious programmes.

Adhikari said in clear terms, "Anyone who insults sadhus, saints and mahants will have to go to jail." The statement came after Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of Bageshwar Dham had earlier made a remark about eating meat during Durga Puja, which triggered controversy in Bengal. After his photograph was burnt, reports emerged that Adhikari had ordered action against those involved. Congress's Kolkata office-bearer Atanu Das was also arrested in connection with the case.

Against this backdrop, Adhikari made his government's position clear at the Netaji Indoor Stadium event. He said, "Times have changed now, there is no need to be afraid." He appealed to those present to read the Gita, recite the Hanuman Chalisa, chant the Hare Krishna mantra and blow conch shells.

Adhikari also described his government as one of "tika, shendi, dhoti and tulsi." He said his government exists to protect the cow. His message was that citizens should not be afraid to express their religious faith.

It was also announced that a Gita recitation event will be held in Kolkata on December 29 with 1 million people expected to attend. According to Adhikari, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is also likely to attend the event.

Referring to the burning of Dhirendra Shastri's photograph, Adhikari further warned of action against such incidents in future. Through these statements, he set out his government's religious and cultural role while also targeting his political opponents.