Kolkata: Four days after saying non-vegetarian food should be kept away from Durga Puja venues and calling those who eat non-veg during Navratri “pakhandis” (impious), Bageshwar Dham Peethadhishwar Dhirendra Krishna Garg, alias Bageshwar Baba, clarified from Glasgow on Thursday night that he never intended to dictate what people eat in their daily lives.Speaking at a temple in Glasgow at an event organised by Glasgow Indians Association as part of his Sanatan Sangam UK spiritual tour, he said his appeal was specifically against the sale, cooking or consumption of non-vegetarian food in or near puja pandals out of respect for religious sanctity.“Just recently, I returned from Bengal. No sooner had I left, discussions started there. Intense debates are going on. It has never been my habit to comment on anyone’s food habits or attire. Yes, regarding Durga Puja, I made a simple point: during Durga Puja, sanctity should be maintained around the Goddess. Meat consumption should not take place right there under the pandal during Durga Puja. Those who wish to eat it may eat it at their homes. How can we possibly stop anyone from eating what they want? How can we stop anyone from living how they choose?”He, however, maintained his opposition to animal sacrifice, saying he would continue to speak against the practice despite criticism. “Shiva exists in every living being and every living being has the right to live. Therefore, I spoke against the practice of animal sacrifice there: that I do not like the practice of sacrifice.”The controversy had begun after his remarks at an event in Howrah on Sunday where he criticised the consumption of meat during the festival. The MP-based preacher was welcomed by CM Suvendu Adhikari, who, along with members of his cabinet, had dinner with him.During the event, Shastri had said: “Bangal ke Hindus (Hindus of Bengal), we request you that even if you don’t install an idol this Navratri, do not sell non-veg near the deity’s idols during Navratri. We appeal to you all to boycott such places and people.” He had also said, “Ab Babar wale nahi, Raghuvar wale baithe hain (Now those of Raghuvar, not Babar, are seated).”The remarks triggered strong reactions from people in Bengal, a section of the BJP and opposition parties.BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharya had said: “How can Bengalis not have fish and meat? Even Swami Vivekananda said Ma Kali will have mutton (as an offering). It is dangerous if someone tries to rise above Vivekananda.”He, however, added that there was no sin in advocating vegetarianism.On Thursday, Adhikari also consumed prasad with fried fish, fish head and ‘basanti’ pulao after praying at Kalighat temple.At Glasgow, Shastri said his opposition to animal sacrifice was based on his personal belief. “What kind of mother takes the sacrifice of her own child? And besides, if the Mother has to take a sacrifice, she will take it herself. Why are you the ones slaughtering? It proves that you are doing it for yourselves.”He also alleged that his remarks had been distorted. “Many people distorted my words. I myself am a Bengali. I am a disciple of Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, and follower of Bama Khyapa. Why would I comment on your food? But on animal sacrifice, I have spoken and I will continue to speak. If you did not like it, that is fine. That is my way — wherever I go, certain matters arise,” he added.
