Speaking at an event in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where he inaugurated several projects, Modi emphasized that Ganesh Utsav holds deep significance beyond mere belief. He recalled how Lok Manya Tilak used Ganesh Puja to unite the nation during the fight for independence and noted that today, Ganesh Puja continues to be a celebration embraced by people from all communities.
Bhubaneswar, Odisha: On Tuesday(18th Sept), Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress and its supporters for questioning his participation in the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud’s residence. He accused those who are “tearing apart society” of being troubled by the worship of Ganesh.
Speaking at an event in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where he inaugurated several projects, Modi emphasized that Ganesh Utsav holds deep significance beyond mere belief. He recalled how Lok Manya Tilak used Ganesh Puja to unite the nation during the fight for independence and noted that today, Ganesh Puja continues to be a celebration embraced by people from all communities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that those who seek to divide India cannot accept the celebrations of Ganpati Puja. He pointed out that just as there was opposition to Ganesh Utsav during British rule, similar resistance is observed today. Modi criticized the Congress and its supporters, claiming their frustration stems from his participation in Ganesh Puja.
“When the British were attempting to fragment the country to maintain their dominance, they employed the strategy of ‘divide and rule.’ In response, Lokmanya Tilak galvanized the spirit of India by using Ganesh Utsav as a means of mass mobilization during the freedom struggle,”
the Prime Minister remarked, highlighting Tilak’s innovative use of the Ganesh celebrations.
Addressing a rally in Odisha, PM Modi stated:
“Even today, those driven by a thirst for power who are intent on dividing and disrupting society are opposed to Ganesh puja. You might have noticed that the Congress and its affiliates are upset because I participated in Ganesh puja.”
The Prime Minister also criticized the police in Congress-ruled Karnataka for seizing a Ganesh idol after a protest against its procession route.
“Such hateful attitudes and attempts to poison societal harmony pose a serious threat to our nation,” Modi added.
The controversy arose after a video of Modi celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and his wife, Kalpana Das, at their residence on September 11 went viral on social media.
On Tuesday, Modi inaugurated “Subhadra,” a major initiative by the Odisha Government aimed at benefiting over one crore women in the state. Under this program, women aged 21 to 60 will receive Rs 50,000 over five years through direct bank transfers, promoting transparency and financial empowerment by removing intermediaries.
