VHP denies issuing guidelines restricting meat sales near Durga Puja pandals

VHP International President Alok Kumar clarified that the organisation has not issued any guidelines restricting meat sales near Durga Puja pandals in West Bengal. He said remarks favouring cleanliness and hygiene were a personal suggestion by a member, not a decision taken at the meeting

New Delhi: Amid a controversy over the alleged guidelines issued by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) restricting the sale of meat in and around Durga Puja pandals in West Bengal, VHP International President Alok Kumar on Saturday issued a clarification, saying that no such thing has been issued by the right-wing outfit and that it was a personal suggestion made by a member, in response to a reporter’s question during the press conference.

Speaking to IANS, the VHP Chief said: “Vishva Hindu Parishad has not issued any directions regarding the arrangements at Durga Puja pandals (in West Bengal). We know that we don’t have any right to issue such directions and we don’t make such claims.”

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Mentioning that the organisation holds meetings in many parts of the country ahead of such major festivals, Alok Kumar said: “Ramlila committees have meetings two months before the Ramlila in Delhi. Similar meeting of the organisers who put up Durga Puja pandals in Bengal, was hosted by the VHP where discussions were held regarding the kind of arrangements at the community pandals.” “We are of the view that worship of the Goddess (Durga) should take place according to tradition and atmosphere at the pandals should be that of love and devotion. Discussions were held on these aspects, now whatever they (organisers) they seem right, will be done accordingly,” the VHP Chief added.

Alok Kumar also clarified: “There was no mention of vegetarian, non-vegetarian or any kind of food during that meeting. During the press conference later, while answering a correspondent, Swamiji (Swami Nirgunananda) said it would be a good suggestion to maintain cleanliness and hygiene at the food stalls inside the pandals, but this topic was not discussed at the meeting.”

“Therefore, I want to clarify that no decision has been taken regarding the consumption of vegetarian or non-vegetarian food (at Durga Puja Pandals in Bengal). There is no guideline and no opinion was conveyed regarding this, at the meeting. Swamiji expressed his own view during the press conference, so framing narratives on that is not right,” he emphasised.

However, the VHP Chief said cleanliness, hygiene and traditions should be followed at the pandals. “We have also advised the singing of the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ on one day (of the Durga Puja festival) and also the worship of Bharat Mata,” he added.