‘Do We Have To Eat Dhoklas And Chant Jai Shri Ram?’ – Mahua Moitra

The Delhi Police are set to initiate an investigation following claims made by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on April 8, regarding an alleged incident in which individuals, reportedly aligned with right-wing ideologies, attempted to forcibly shut down fish shops in the Chittaranjan Park area of South Delhi.

According to sources within the police department, no formal complaints have been lodged concerning the matter as of yet. However, they are in the process of verifying the details surrounding the incident, particularly in relation to a video that Moitra shared on social media. “The market is a licensed market according to MCD records. The video appears to be outdated, but we are verifying the date of the incident. The police have not received any complaint so far,” a police source stated.

In her social media posts on X, Moitra shared a video with the caption, “Please watch as saffron brigade BJP goons threaten fish-eating Bengalis of Chittaranjan Park, Delhi. Never in 60 years has this happened, residents say.” She further elaborated in another post, asserting that the temple in CR Park, which the BJP members are allegedly laying claim to, was established by the vendors of the non-vegetarian market. “They pray there — the big pujas are held there. Three months of BJP rule in Delhi. A good anniversary present,” she remarked.

Moitra also shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp message from a local Bengali resident, expressing concern over the situation and claiming that the meat and fish shops had been closed for the past ten days. This timeframe coincides with the Chaitra Navratri, a period during which several BJP-led states and cities impose partial or complete ban on meat sales. However, Delhi was not officially among these regions.

The timing of the alleged ban on non-vegetarian sales also coincided with the Eid celebrations and the Bengali Annapurna puja on April 5, during which a traditional feast, including fish, is typically offered to the goddess. Notably, the Bengali community, which has a significant presence in CR Park, does not generally refrain from consuming meat during the Chaitra Navratri.

Virendra Sachdeva, the president of the Delhi BJP, responded to the situation by emphasizing the importance of respecting the sanctity of temples. He stated that the fish market traders in CR Park have always shown respect towards the temples in the area. “The fish markets have been legally allotted and are a necessity in the area. The fish traders maintain a high level of cleanliness and regularly participate in the socio-religious activities of CR Park,” Sachdeva asserted.

In his statement, he suggested that the video shared by Moitra may have been manipulated by individuals with political motives to disrupt communal harmony in CR Park. “We strongly condemn the incident and request the Delhi Police to take stern action,” he concluded.

On April 9, Moitra took to social media once again, stating, “Terrorising Hindu fishmongers into shutting legal shops next to a temple they built — BJP goons caught on video but not yet arrested. Hello @DelhiPolice — Or are we all supposed to eat dhoklas and chant Jai Shri Ram?”

In a related video, a priest from the local Kali Temple was seen affirming that the Brahmins in the area have no objections to the sale of fish and meat nearby, noting that “non-veg” is even used in the goddess’ puja.

This statement adds another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding the intersection of religious practices and local commerce in the culturally diverse neighborhood of Chittaranjan Park.

As the investigation unfolds, the situation remains tense, with community members and political figures closely monitoring developments.