New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently attended a Ganpati Puja ceremony at the residence of Supreme Court Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, where he participated in the Ganesh Aarti alongside the CJI. The event sparked a controversy, drawing strong reactions across political circles.PM Modis response to Ganesh Puja controversyAddressing the public for the first time since the controversy broke out, PM Modi defended his participation in the Ganesh Puja at CJI Chandrachuds home. Speaking during an event in Bhubaneswar, the Prime Minister pointed fingers at political adversaries, particularly Congress, for objecting to his involvement in the religious ceremony.PM Modi remarked, Even today, those hungry for power and who thrive on dividing society are upset with Ganesh Puja. When I participated in the ceremony, Congress and its ecosystem had a problem. They are uncomfortable with Ganesh Utsav, an event that binds society.Modis sharp remarks on CongressThe Prime Minister didnt hold back in criticizing Congress and its allies. He accused them of harboring a mentality that seeks to divide the nation. Referring to a recent incident in Karnataka, where Congress currently holds power, he said, They went as far as placing an idol of Lord Ganesha behind bars, and the entire country was shocked by those images. This divisive mindset is harmful to our society and must be stopped.Modi emphasized that the celebration of Ganesh Utsav is not merely a religious festival but a crucial element of Indias historical struggle for independence. He referenced how, during the British colonial era, Ganesh Utsav played a unifying role in Indias fight against the divide-and-rule policies imposed by the colonizers.What was the controversyPrime Minister Modis visit to Chief Justice DY Chandrachuds house for the Ganesh Puja took place last Wednesday. The event was highlighted when Modi shared a picture on social media, showing him performing aarti with the CJI and his wife, Kalpana Das. PM Modi was seen donning traditional Marathi attire, complete with a Marathi cap, during the ceremony.Invitation extended to several dignitariesSources later revealed that CJI Chandrachud had invited numerous dignitaries, including the Prime Minister, to participate in the Ganpati Puja. Several Supreme Court judges and officials also attended the daily rituals at the CJIs home. PM Modis visit, though brief, attracted widespread attention. After performing the aarti, the Prime Minister stayed only long enough to receive prasad before departing.The debate over Modis participation in the religious event continues to fuel political discourse, with differing opinions on the intersection of politics and religion in the public sphere.
