Controversy erupted in West Bengal over remarks by Bageshwar Dham priest Dhirendra Shastri, who allegedly called Bengalis “pakhandis” over non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. Congress leaders filed police complaints seeking action, while BJP leaders defended Bengals tradition of eating fish and meat, particularly goat meat, during the festival.

Calls for vegetarian-only food at Durga Puja pandals spark controversy in West Bengal amid cultural and political tensions.

After the religious leader said that meat must not be sold near the goddess’ idol, the TMC asserted that Bengalis will ‘not let this go’.