Kolkata, Nov. 3 -- Months after facing criticism in Bengal for making derogatory remarks about Bengalis' food habits during his visit ahead of Durga Puja, Bageshwar Baba, also known as Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, has landed in another controversy over his comments on Lord Krishna, drawing sharp criticism from the Mamata All India Trinamool Congress (MAITC).
During his earlier visit to Bengal, Shastri had described people who consumed non-vegetarian food as 'pakhandi', triggering widespread criticism. BJP leaders had subsequently attempted to contain the controversy through various explanations.
In the video, Shastri can be heard mocking Lord Krishna's posture, saying that he stands bent at three places, with his feet crossed, waist bent and neck tilted while playing the flute. Contrasting this with Lord Ram, he said: "Our God stands straight, walks straight and even has a straight name. Your God stands bent, walks bent and even looks bent." He further remarked that playing the flute was easy, unlike holding a bow.
The remarks drew a sharp reaction from MAITC MLA Kunal Ghosh, who questioned Shastri's authority to insult Lord Krishna. Referring to his earlier comments on Bengali food habits, Ghosh accused the religious preacher of repeatedly hurting sentiments, first by targeting Bengalis and now by making controversial remarks about Hindu deities.
He also questioned whether legal action would be initiated over the alleged insult to religious sentiments. MAITC also took a dig at the BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari who earlier promoted Bageshwar Baba. Following the backlash, Shastri released another video apologising for his remarks.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.