He was actually addressing the centenary celebrations of Swami AtmasthanandaOrganized by Ramakrishna Mission in Kolkata.
In his speech, the PM referred to Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa, a 19th-century Bengal mystic and guru of Swami Vivekananda.
“Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa was such a saint who had a vision of Maa KaliWho had surrendered everything at the feet of Maa Kali. He used to say that this whole world, everything is pervaded by the consciousness of the Goddess. This consciousness is reflected in the Kali Puja of Bengal. This consciousness is reflected in the faith of Bengal and the country.” Modi Told.
Modi’s remarks came amid controversy over the depiction of Goddess Kali in a film poster and the TMC MP’s remarks. Mahua Moitra,
Modi also said during his address, “Whenever I got a chance, I went Belur Math and (Dakhineshwar) Kali Mandir (across the river); It is natural to feel connected. When your faith and beliefs are pure, Shakti (Goddess) herself guides you. The infinite grace of Maa Kali has always remained on India. The country is moving ahead with this spiritual energy for the welfare of the world.
Appreciating the Ramakrishna Mission for the service of humanity, Modi said its saints are known as messengers of national unity in the country and representatives of Indian culture abroad.
Soon after Modi’s speech, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya attacked Moitra, calling her comments about Maa Kali “unpleasant”.
PM Narendra Modi speaks reverently not only for Bengal, but also about Maa Kali being the center of devotion… https://t.co/lqOt2YHoIp
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) 1657432874000
The Maa Kali poster controversy started when a poster of the documentary “Kaali” by Leena Manimekalai featured an actor as a goddess smoking a cigarette. The director was accused of intentionally hurting Hindu sentiments, and FIRs were filed against him in several states.
Speaking at an event, Mahua Moitra elaborated on her thoughts about the goddess and practices of worship, not mentioning the film or the poster.
“For me, Goddess Kali is the meat-eater and the one who accepts alcohol. And if you go to Tarapith (a major Shakti Peeth in West Bengal’s Birbhum district), you will see sadhus smoking. This is what Kali people worship. The version is (I, within Hinduism, being a Kali worshipper, I have a right to imagine Kali in this way, that’s my freedom,” she said.
The Trinamool Congress distanced itself from Moitra’s comments, while the BJP launched an all-out attack.