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BJP and TMC Reject Bageshwar Baba's Call to Avoid Non-Vegetarian Food During Durga Puja

2 sources · India

Who reported this

  • Scroll.in India · Left · Scroll Media Inc, reader-funded
  • Hindustan Times India · Centre-right · HT Media (KK Birla group)

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Dhirendra Shastri, the religious leader known as Bageshwar Baba, has sparked controversy after urging Hindus in West Bengal to avoid eating non-vegetarian food during the Durga Puja festival. During a visit to the state, Shastri described those who consume meat during the festivities as pakhandi and called the practice dirty. He further stated that meat should not be sold near the idols of the goddess.

How each side framed it

Left
The report emphasizes the political clash between the TMC and BJP, framing the incident as an attempt by the BJP to dictate Bengali culture and identity.
Centre-right
The report focuses on the BJP's effort to distance itself from the preacher to protect the party's image regarding Bengali cultural autonomy.

Sources

100% of the statements in this article were traced back to the source articles listed above.