Bengal CM attacks Mamata over 'Azadi' slogan, warns against insulting Hindu saints
Kolkata, Sep 27 (UNI) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday launched a sharp attack on erstwhile Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her reported use of the slogan "Azadi" at a meeting in Srirampore, saying India had attained independence in 1947 and warning that the BJP-led state government would act against those indulging in what he described as "anti-national activities".
Speaking at an 11,000-voice Bhagavad Gita recitation programme at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, Adhikari said, "India got Azadi in 1947. Those who indulge in anti-national activities will be driven out by the BJP government in West Bengal. Be careful before chanting the Azadi slogan." He alleged that the former Chief Minister had raised the slogan at a gathering attended by around 150 people in Srirampore on Saturday. The Chief Minister also warned that his government would not tolerate insults directed at Hindu saints and religious figures. Referring to the controversy involving Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham, he said those who had allegedly insulted the religious leader had been arrested.
"Sadhus and saints will perform their religious duties. You may like what they say or dislike it, but this government will not tolerate their humiliation," Adhikari said. He said the government would also ensure that Durga Puja inaugurations were held during the appropriate Devi Paksha period and not during Pitru Paksha. "If anyone tries to inaugurate a Durga Puja with scissors during Pitru Paksha this year, the government will not remain silent. The invocation of Goddess Durga will take place during Devi Paksha," he said. Adhikari referred to earlier large-scale Gita recitation programmes in Siliguri, where, according to him, more than 50,000 people had participated and an assembly of over five lakh people had gathered for the programme.
He said the event had been organised under the leadership of Gita exponent Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, head of Gita Gyan Sansthanam. Baba Ramdev, Dhirendra Shastri and Ritambhara were among those who had attended the programme, he said. Adhikari also referred to a proposed 10-lakh-voice Gita recitation programme scheduled for 29 December. According to him, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is expected to attend the event as the chief guest. He also mentioned Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and said the religious leader had blessed him in Sanskrit and expressed his intention to visit Bengal during Makar Sankranti on 15 January, 2027.
Adhikari said another programme was scheduled at Brigade on 24 January. Referring to the burning of an effigy of Dhirendra Shastri, Adhikari alleged that political forces had been involved in insulting the religious leader. He said his government had acted against those responsible and reiterated that similar incidents would lead to arrests. Urging people to recite the Gita, blow conch shells and chant the Hare Krishna mantra without fear, Adhikari said,
"The season has changed and the times have changed." He also said the government would focus on protecting the Gita, Tulsi and the cow, while warning against slogans seeking "Azadi" from within the country. Adhikari further announced restrictions during Durga Puja, saying liquor shops would remain closed on Ashtami and DJs would not be allowed to operate. He urged people to remain peaceful and said Bengal's religious heritage, including Tarapith, Tarakeswar and Dakshineswar, would be protected.
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