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Adhikari Pledges Cow Protection, Jail for Insulting Monks
Suvendu Adhikari spoke at a large religious event in Kolkata.
He said people should be able to practice and share their faith openly.
He encouraged people to recite the Bhagavad Gita and Hanuman Chalisa.
He promised protection for cows.
He also said people who insult religious leaders would be sent to jail.
Adhikari said his government had acted after images of a religious preacher were allegedly burned.
He criticized Mamata Banerjee over comments involving the word “azadi.”
More religious gatherings are planned in West Bengal.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari pledged to protect “gaumata” and jail people who insult monks, saints or mahants.
Speaking at a Bhagavad Gita event in Kolkata, he encouraged people to recite and distribute religious texts without fear.
Adhikari said his government had acted against people accused of burning images and effigies of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri.
He urged unity against what he called the “tukde tukde gang” and criticized former chief minister Mamata Banerjee over remarks about “azadi.”
The event drew 11,000 participants, while larger Gita recitation programmes are planned for December 29 and during Makar Sankranti.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, along with religious and political figures mentioned in his speech.
- What
- Adhikari pledged cow protection, punishment for insulting monks, and support for public Hindu religious expression.
- Where
- The speech took place at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal.
- When
- Sunday; additional events were cited for December 29 and the next Makar Sankranti.
- Why
- He said people should not fear practicing their faith and should remain united against what he described as separatist and anti-national forces.
Key facts
- Speaker
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
- Event
- Bhagavad Gita recital organised by Bangur Jagaran Mancha
- Venue
- Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata
- Attendance
- About 11,000 people recited the Bhagavad Gita in unison
- Protection pledge
- Adhikari said the government would protect “gaumata” and jail those who insult monks
- Upcoming programme
- A Gita recital involving about 10 lakh people is scheduled for December 29
- Other planned gathering
- Jagadguru Rambhadracharya was said to be interested in visiting Bengal during Makar Sankranti for a large congregation
Quotes
Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal Chief Minister speaking at a Bhagavad Gita recital event
“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. The winds have changed ('mausam badal gaya hai'),”
NDTV
“I have already said in the assembly that those who insult sadhus, saints and mahants will have to go to jail,”
NDTV
Sources
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