Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Ganesh Puja at Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud’s residence, drawing sharp criticism from the Opposition.
In retaliation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reminded the Congress of a similar instance from 2009, when former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hosted an Iftar party attended by then-CJI KG Balakrishnan. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla shared images from the event, pointing out that at the time, no questions were raised about judicial independence. He contrasted this with the current backlash, accusing the Opposition of a double standard in questioning the PM’s presence at a religious ceremony.
BJP leader Sambit Patra also came to Modi’s defense, criticizing the politicization of the event. He questioned why attending a religious function should be controversial and highlighted that past prime ministers had also participated in religious and social gatherings with judicial figures without controversy. He argued that such events are part of the democratic fabric, where different branches of the state can engage with mutual respect and courtesy.
Patra also pointed out Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent meetings with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, questioning the Opposition’s selective outrage. “Is there a problem with PM Modi attending Ganesh Puja, while there were no objections to former PM Manmohan Singh attending Iftar with the CJI?” Patra asked.
Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav joined the defense, emphasizing the cultural significance of Ganesh Puja and criticizing the Opposition for creating negativity around the event. “Ganesh is a symbol of auspicious beginnings, and the coming together of different arms of democracy in such a celebration is reflective of India’s unity,” he stated, urging opponents not to diminish the importance of the nation’s festivals.
OPPOSITION RAISES CONCERNS OVER JUDICIAL IMPARTIALITY
Despite BJP’s defense, Opposition parties, particularly Shiv Sena (UBT), voiced concerns about the implications of the PM’s visit on the judiciary’s impartiality. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut expressed reservations about whether the CJI could remain unbiased in light of the ongoing Maharashtra political case, which involves the central government.
Priyanka Chaturvedi, another Shiv Sena MP, suggested that the timing of the meeting, especially with Maharashtra elections approaching, raises questions about the prioritization of pending cases. She insinuated that the visit might cause delays in justice.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who is also the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, stated that while the CJI had every right to invite the Prime Minister to his home, the publicization of the event was unnecessary and could lead to unwanted speculations. Sibal recommended that such private meetings should have been kept low-key, particularly during politically sensitive times.
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