Kolkata, Sept. 8 -- Amid a fresh controversy over vegetarian and non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja has erupted in West Bengal ahead of the festival, following remarks by Madhya Pradesh-based spiritual preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of Bageshwar Dham, former BJP state president and state minister Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday defended the freedom of people to choose their foodShastri, who was recently in Liluah for a Hanuman Katha programme, criticised the consumption of non-vegetarian food around Durga Puja pandals and urged Hindus in Kolkata to oppose the practice. His comments have triggered a political and social debate, with several people accusing him of attempting to interfere with Bengal's traditional food habits.
Speaking to repor...