West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday said that those burning photographs of religious leader Dhirendra Shastri to protest against his call for a meat ban during the Durga Puja festival should be arrested, The Hindu reported. Adhikari said that Shastri was only sharing his views and not imposing them on anyone.On Sunday, Shastri, the head of the Bageshwar Dham temple, said that he does not like it when “dirty” non-vegetarian food is eaten during the Hindu festival and at gatherings linked to the celebration. Meat must not be sold near the goddess’ idol during the festival, he added. The festival will begin on October 6 and conclude on October 10 this year.Among Bengali Hindus, eating meat during Durga Puja is common and animal sacrifice is also an important ritual for some in the community.Shastri had called for these restriction at a religious event at Liluah in Howrah. Adhikari, along with his Cabinet colleagues from the Bharatiya Janata Party, had met him and hosted a dinner for him on Friday.The comments by Shastri had triggered a row in the state. Protests were held by Congress workers, with some persons reportedly burning photographs of Shastri outside the Bhawanipore police station in Kolkata, The Hindu reported.Kolkata, West Bengal: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari says, "... Think five times and not once before insulting the word Saffron. And to insult the society of Sadhu's and Sant's. I was seeing that a sant had come from Liluah... I have seen few people burning photos in front of… pic.twitter.com/IskvwMKWHw— IANS (@ians_india) September 10, 2026