Bengal Govt Will Protect ‘Gaumata’, Jail Those Who Insult Saints: CM Adhikari

September 27, 2026

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday said the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government would protect ‘gaumata’ (cow) and take action against those who insult sadhus, saying such remarks would not be tolerated in the state.

Speaking at a Bhagavad Gita recital event organised by Bangur Jagaran Mancha at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, Adhikari said the insult of any saint or sage would not be tolerated in West Bengal.

The statement comes amid political controversies in the state over religious remarks by saints concerning the eating habits of Bengalis during Durga Puja.

‘Nothing To Fear’ In Promoting Faith

Adhikari said there was nothing to fear while following or promoting a faith.

“Recite and distribute the Bhagavad Gita, distribute Hanuman Chalisa without any hesitation. Chant Hare Krishna mantras, blow conches; there is nothing to be scared of. The winds have changed,” he said.

Outlining what he described as the state government’s priorities regarding religious and cultural traditions, Adhikari said, “The government of tika, sikha, dhoti, tulsi has arrived. The (BJP) government to protect ‘gaumata’ is here. The government would imprison those who insult monks. Insult against saints and gurus will not be tolerated here.”

Adhikari Calls For Unity

The Chief Minister also urged the gathering to remain alert against what he described as divisive forces.

“We all have to remain united and alert against the ‘tukde tukde’ (anti-national forces) gang who raise ‘Kashmir maange azadi’ slogans,” he said.

The event saw around 11,000 people recite the Bhagavad Gita in unison.

“I am not here as the Chief Minister of West Bengal. I am here as a Sanatani, as a child of Mata Bharati, and I have come to sit here among you. I have come to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for the awakening that you have recently brought about in West Bengal,” Adhikari said.

He also said a historic programme featuring Bhagavad Gita recitation by 10 lakh voices would be organised in Kolkata on December 29.