Controversy Erupts Over PM Modi's Attendance at CJI's Ganpati Puja

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attendance at Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's Ganpati Puja sparked sharp reactions from opposition leaders and lawyers. The BJP defended the meeting as a reflection of democratic courtesy, while critics claimed it compromised the judiciary's independence.

A storm of controversy has arisen following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attendance at Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's Ganpati Puja celebrations, drawing ire from opposition leaders and legal professionals. The BJP and its allies struck back on Thursday, denouncing the 'reckless' reactions of their political rivals and stating that casting 'baseless aspersions' on the judiciary's integrity sets a dangerous precedent.

Addressing the media at the BJP headquarters, Lok Sabha MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra drew a parallel between Modi's visit and former CJI's attendance at an iftar hosted by ex-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Patra criticized opposition leaders for their alleged hypocrisy, questioning their objections to the Ganpati Puja visit.

BJP national general secretary BL Santhosh and Shiv Sena's Milind Deora also condemned the opposition's stance, arguing that such 'reckless' commentary undermines the judiciary's credibility. Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha expressed concerns about the optics of the event, emphasizing the need for visible institutional independence.

(With inputs from agencies.)