Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, participated in Ganpati Puja at the residence of Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud in New Delhi. The event, rooted in tradition, saw the Prime Minister wearing a traditional Maharashtrian cap as he joined the CJI and his wife, Kalpana Das, to perform the aarti and offer prayers before Lord Ganesha’s idol.
Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji.
May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health. pic.twitter.com/dfWlR7elky
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2024
However, what should have been an occasion of cultural unity and devotion has been met with political scrutiny. Leaders from the opposition, particularly Shiv Sena (UBT) and senior lawyers, have raised concerns about the Prime Minister’s presence at the CJI’s residence, questioning its impact on judicial transparency. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut went as far as suggesting that such interactions between the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice could undermine public trust in the judiciary. He even called for CJI Chandrachud’s recusal from a case involving the Maharashtra government, citing fears of potential bias.
While Raut’s comments have sparked a political debate, it seems clear that this criticism is more about finding an opportunity to politicise a religious event rather than addressing any real concerns about judicial fairness.
Is Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi Now a Crime?
What the opposition seems to conveniently ignore is that both PM Modi and CJI Chandrachud are devout Hindus. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the country, revered for its emphasis on wisdom, prosperity, and removing obstacles. Are they suggesting that constitutional authorities must abandon their religious practices to appease political sensitivities?
The opposition’s argument is nothing short of an attempt to create an issue where none exists. If the Chief Justice of India cannot celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in his own home without being questioned, does that mean every constitutional authority should abandon their personal beliefs to remain “neutral”? This mindset reeks of hypocrisy. No one would dare question the religious celebrations of leaders from other faiths, but the moment Hindu leaders like PM Modi and CJI Chandrachud celebrate a festival, accusations of impropriety begin to fly.
A Manufactured Controversy? CJI
This isn’t about judicial bias. This is about the opposition grasping at straws to attack PM Modi and CJI Chandrachud—both Hindus celebrating their festival. The entire premise that a religious celebration could sway judicial outcomes is absurd. If Sanjay Raut and his ilk genuinely believe that sharing a festival is enough to compromise judicial integrity. Perhaps they should focus more on their case’s legal merits rather than peddling conspiracy theories.
Moreover, the suggestion that PM Modi and CJI Chandrachud should have avoided celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi together underscores a deeper, more troubling narrative. It is an attack on Hindu traditions under the guise of “secularism.” We have seen this pattern far too often. The very same leaders who preach tolerance are the first to jump at the opportunity to criticise Hindu festivals. Whether it’s Holi, Diwali, or now Ganesh Chaturthi, these festivals are conveniently turned into political battlegrounds.
The Double Standards for CJI
Interestingly, these same voices remain silent when political and judicial figures from other faiths celebrate their festivals openly. No one questioned the independence of the judiciary when judges attended Eid prayers or Christmas services. It begs the question: why is it that Hindu festivals are always under the microscope?
The reality is that Ganesh Chaturthi is a deeply personal and cultural celebration, not a political statement. Prime Minister Modi’s participation in Ganpati Puja alongside the Chief Justice was a reflection of their shared cultural roots, nothing more. For the opposition to twist this into an issue of judicial bias shows their desperation to find any angle of attack, even if it means attacking the cultural and religious identities of the nation’s leaders.
This manufactured controversy only exposes the hollowness of the opposition’s arguments. Hindus should not have to apologise for celebrating their festivals, and no amount of political grandstanding should be allowed to undermine the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi!