The visit comes amid ongoing political exchanges in West Bengal over food habits.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday offered prayers at the historic Thanthania Kalibari temple, known for its unique tradition of offering non-vegetarian prasad, before starting his roadshow in North Kolkata. The visit comes at a time when political debate over food culture has intensified in the state.
Thanthania Kalibari is one of Kolkata’s oldest and most respected Kali temples. Established in 1703, it has a history of over 300 years, even before the city developed in its present form. The deity is worshipped as Maa Siddheshwari and is believed to be ‘Jagrat’, meaning spiritually awakened.
Political Debate Over Food Culture
The visit comes amid ongoing political exchanges in West Bengal over non-vegetarian food habits. Leaders of the Trinamool Congress, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may interfere with the state’s food culture if voted to power.
They have pointed to restrictions on the sale of fish and meat in some NDA-ruled states such as Bihar and Gujarat during certain festivals. Banerjee has said such measures show a lack of understanding of Bengal’s cultural identity.
BJP Denies Allegations
The BJP has rejected these claims. State president Samik Bhattacharya and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said there is no plan to ban non-vegetarian food and that people’s food choices will be respected.
BJP leader and Nagaland minister Temjen Imna Along also reacted to the row. Sharing a video of himself eating meat dishes, he wrote, “Mamata Didi, I am in the BJP and a non-vegetarian by hobby.”
Anurag Thakur along with other BJP leaders on Tuesday ate fish and rice (maach bhaat) on the last day of campaigning for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections. The move was seen as an attempt to counter Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s claim that the BJP would ban fish if it comes to power.
Temple Priest, Committee Member React To PM Modi’s Visit
Reacting to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Thanthania Kalibari in Kolkata, temple priest Gunasendu Bhattacharya said, “Prime Minister came here and offered prayers/ he offered Garland to the goddess along with Prasad. He spent a while sitting here and offering Aarti to maa. I told him about the glorious history of the temple, and he listened to it patiently. What prayers he offers. I don’t know, but I’m sure he has offered prayers for the welfare of the country.”
Temple committee member Palash Ghosh also expressed happiness over the visit, saying, “We were very happy to see the Prime Minister in our midst. He came here and offered prayers to the goddess. We are the ninth generation which is associated with the temple, so it is a very big occasion for us.”
