Economist Sanjeev Sanyal recently ignited a debate by staunchly defending the consumption and offering of meat during Durga Puja, asserting its fundamental role within Shakta Hindu traditions. His comments, made on Monday, September 7, 2026, directly challenged appeals from self-styled godman Dhirendra Shastri to abstain from non-vegetarian food during the popular Bengali festivities.
Meat as a Core Ritual in Shakta Hinduism
Sanyal, a prominent economist, took to social media platform X to emphasize the historical and religious significance of meat in these rituals. "Meat is core to Shakta Hinduism. It is offered to Ma Durga and Ma Kali as part of the ancient rituals," Sanyal stated. He further clarified that the 'Prasad'—the devotional offering consumed by devotees—on Navami and Dasami at Durga Puja is traditionally meat. He concluded with a firm warning: "Any interference in this sacred ritual will not be tolerated."
Shastri's Appeal and "Pakhandi" Remarks
The controversy began with Dhirendra Shastri, widely known as Bageshwar Baba, who urged Bengalis to forgo non-vegetarian meals during Durga Puja. Shastri labeled those who consume meat during the festival as "pakhandis," a term implying hypocrites or heretics, attempting to persuade them to abandon the practice.
West Bengal BJP Rejects Outside Imposition
In response to Shastri's appeal, West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya swiftly rejected any external attempts to dictate the culinary choices of Bengalis. On the same Monday, Bhattacharya asserted that no religious figure visiting the state holds the authority to prescribe what residents should eat or wear. "Let me live the way I want to. Bengalis will eat what they have been eating. Can Bengalis not eat fish and meat? Swami Vivekananda has said it. Who is above him?" Bhattacharya questioned, highlighting the cultural autonomy and citing revered figures.
Bhattacharya further explained that specific traditions, such as eating 'luchi' (fried flatbread) on Ashtami and goat meat on Navami, are deeply embedded in Bengal's cultural heritage. He firmly stated, "We will continue to do that. Nobody can tell the people of West Bengal what they should eat." While respecting Shastri as a religious figure, Bhattacharya underscored his opposition to any imposition of personal views onto Bengali society, reinforcing the sentiment that dietary choices are a personal and cultural matter.