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Suvendu Adhikari urges people to fearlessly chant Bhagavad Gita, says insulting monks will invite jail
Addressing a Bhagavad Gita recital event organised by the Bangur Jagaran Mancha at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, Adhikari said there was nothing to fear while following or promoting a faith.
CM Suvendu Adhikri at the Gita Path programme at Netaji Indoor Stadium. Express photo
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday said his government would protect ‘gaumata’ and jail anybody who insults monks, while asserting that winds have changed in the state.
Addressing a Bhagavad Gita recital event organised by the Bangur Jagaran Mancha at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, Adhikari said there was nothing to fear while following or promoting a faith.
In a reference to the Bageshwar Baba controversy, Adhikari said, “This is an independent country guided by the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar. Whoever wants to accept it may do so, and whoever does not, that is their personal choice. But the way Dhirendra Shastri’s effigy was burned and insulted by the Communists and Mamata’s followers… I clearly stated in the Assembly that the government will put anyone in jail who insults saints, monks, and spiritual leaders. I took action that very night and had the person who burned his picture arrested.”
“Recite and distribute the Bhagavad Gita, distribute Hanuman Chalisa without any hesitation. Chant Hare Krishna mantra, blow conches; there is nothing to be scared of. Mausam badal gaya hai (The winds have changed),” he said.
“The government of tika, sikha, dhoti, tulsi has arrived. The government to protect ‘gaumata’ is here,” he said at the event, which saw 11,000 people recite the Bhagavad Gita in unison.
The chief minister also asserted that his government “would imprison those who insult monks.” “I have already said in the assembly that those who insult sadhus, saints and mahants will have to go to jail,” the CM said.
Taking a dig at the previous Mamata government, he asked people to stay vigilant against the “Tukde Tukde” gang.
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“Everyone must stay united and vigilant against the Tukde Tukde gang within the country who demand freedom (Azadi) for Kashmir. Yesterday, a former Chief Minister of this state, along with 150 people, chanted “Azadi” in Serampore. Freedom was attained in 1947. If she makes such statements, the nationalists will teach her a lesson,” he said.
Adhikari also referred to spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, and said he had expressed interest to visit Bengal during Makar Sankranti next year, and hold a large religious congregation at the Brigade Parade Ground.
Adhikari added the state government would have a pavilion at the Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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