Only ‘sanatanis’ will touch Durga idols during immersion: Bengal CM Suvendu
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has mandated that only those who believe in 'Sanatan Dharma' may touch Durga idols during immersion rituals. The directive has sparked criticism from opposition leaders who label the move as exclusionary and communal.
Why it matters
The controversy underscores ongoing tensions regarding religious identity, secularism, and political influence in Indian public life.
KOLKATA: Only those who believe in ‘sanatan dharma’ will be allowed to touch Durga idols during immersion, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Wednesday while inspecting security arrangements at Baje Kadamtala Ghat. Dismissing suggestions that the directive had a communal intent, Adhikari said the measure was aimed at upholding the sanctity of immersion rituals.Adhikari said Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nand has been instructed to maintain a record of those involved in immersion. “Only those who believe in Sanatan Dharma should touch the idols. I have told the CP to record the names of those who come here. They must also be identified,” the CM said.
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