A political stir erupted following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Chief Justice DY Chandrachud’s residence for Ganesh Puja, sparking debate over the appropriateness of the visit.
In response to the Opposition’s criticism, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) drew a parallel to a 2009 event when then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hosted an Iftar party attended by the then Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla highlighted photos of Singh and Balakrishnan at the Iftar, questioning why this was deemed acceptable, while Modi’s participation in Ganesh Puja is now being scrutinized.
BJP MP Sambit Patra condemned the Opposition’s stance, arguing that interactions between different branches of government are normal and should not be subject to political scrutiny. He emphasized that these interactions are part of democratic decorum, asserting that the criticism of Modi’s visit contrasts with the acceptance of Singh’s Iftar gatherings.
Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav also criticized the Opposition for politicizing the event. He described Ganesh Puja as a symbol of auspicious beginnings and argued that such celebrations are integral to India’s diverse traditions. Yadav urged detractors to refrain from disparaging the significance of cultural events.
OPPOSITION’S RESPONSE TO MODI’S VISIT
The visit has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition, especially from Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, who have expressed concerns about its potential impact on judicial impartiality. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut suggested that the meeting could influence the ongoing Maharashtra case under CJI Chandrachud’s review.
Priyanka Chaturvedi, another Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, questioned whether the CJI would prioritize the Maharashtra case, given its timing amidst upcoming elections, implying possible delays in justice.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, stated that while the CJI’s invitation to Modi was not problematic, publicizing the meeting could have been avoided to prevent unnecessary controversy. He suggested that such private events should be handled discreetly, especially during sensitive periods like election seasons.