Adhikari Defends Shastri, Police Order Arrest After Photo Burning

West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari defended religious preacher Dhirendra Shastri after protests erupted over his remarks against eating non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja. Speaking in the state assembly, Adhikari said Shastri only expressed personal views without imposing them. He directed police to arrest those who burned Shastri's photos outside Kolkata's Bhawanipore police station. Shastri, head of Bageshwar Dham, had urged Hindus to avoid non-vegetarian food during the festival, calling it unhygienic. His comments sparked criticism across West Bengal, where such dietary practices are culturally significant. Congress workers protested and filed complaints, accusing him of insulting regional traditions.