Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Sep 27: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday said the BJP-led state government would protect ‘gaumata’ (cow) and take action against those who insult saints and sages, including sending them to jail.
Addressing a Bhagavad Gita recital event organised by Bangur Jagaran Mancha at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, Adhikari said insults against any saint or sage would not be tolerated in West Bengal.
His remarks came amid political controversies in the state over statements by religious figures concerning the eating habits of Bengalis during Durga Puja.
Adhikari also urged people to follow and promote their faith without fear.
“Recite and distribute the Bhagavad Gita, distribute Hanuman Chalisa without any hesitation. Chant Hare Krishna mantras, blow conches; there is nothing to be scared of. The winds have changed,” he said.
Outlining the state government’s priorities concerning religious and cultural traditions, Adhikari said, “The government of tika, sikha, dhoti, tulsi has arrived. The (BJP) government to protect 'gaumata' is here. The government would imprison those who insult monks. Insult against saints and gurus will not be tolerated here.”
He also appealed to the gathering to remain united and vigilant against what he described as divisive forces.
“We all have to remain united and alert against the 'tukde tukde' (anti-national forces) gang who raise 'Kashmir maange azadi' slogans,” the Chief Minister said.
Around 11,000 people participated in the event and recited the Bhagavad Gita together.
Adhikari said he had attended the programme not in his capacity as the Chief Minister but as a follower of Sanatan tradition.
“I am not here as the Chief Minister of West Bengal. I am here as a Sanatani, as a child of Mata Bharati, and I have come to sit here among you. I have come to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for the awakening that you have recently brought about in West Bengal,” he said.
He also announced that a major Bhagavad Gita recital involving 10 lakh voices would be organised in Kolkata on December 29.