"Read Gita without hesitation": West Bengal CM Adhikari urges citizens, says "times have changed"

Sep 27, 2026

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 27 : West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday assured the citizens that they should recite the 'Bhagwat Gita' without fear as he asserted that times have changed in the state. 
Adressing an event for Bhagwat Gita recitation in Kolkata, CM Adhikari said action would be taken against those he termed the "Tukde-Tukde Gang" following an alleged incid Bageshwar Baba. 
"Some time ago, Bageshwar Baba came to propagate his faith. Communists burned his effigy. I stated in the Legislative Assembly that action would be taken against those engaging in such acts. Now, read the Gita without hesitation; there is nothing to fear. Times have changed. Do not be afraid. Action will be taken against the 'Tukde-Tukde Gang'," he said.
Adhikari said the organisers of the event have announced that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat would be attending the Gita recitation, which will take place on a massive scale on December 29. 
"The event organised by the Bangur Jagran Manch and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad has been a success. I have come here not as the Chief Minister, but as a Sanatani. One chapter of the Gita still remains. 
"The organisers have announced that Mohan Bhagwat will be present at the historic event scheduled for December 29, where the recitation will be performed by ten lakh voices," he said.
This comes weeks after a row involving Dhirendra Shastri, also known as Bageshwar Baba as Congress leader Manash Sarkar has filed a police complaint against him at Kolkata’s Bhawanipore Police Station, alleging that his remarks about Bengali identity, food practices and Durga Puja hurt sentiments and could create social disharmony.
Manash Sarkar told ANI on Tuesday, "He has made remarks about Bengalis. He called us hypocrites. It means that we do anything in the name of religion. He is telling us what we should or should not eat. He is asking why we eat non-vegetarian food, why we eat fish, mutton, and chicken. Is he going to decide what we should eat? I am also asking the BJP leaders here: Do you agree with him or not?”
The Congress leader demanded an apology from Dhirendra Shastri and police action against him.

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