A video circulating on social media showing a Saraswati idol without a saree sparked protests at a government college near Agartala. Allegedly, a group of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal supporters stormed into the college demanding the idol be adorned with a saree. The idol, crafted by college students, became a focal point of contention.
Tutan Das, Tripura state coordinator of Bajrang Dal, expressed outrage over the video, stating they rushed to the college before the puja commenced to ensure the idol was respectfully dressed. He emphasized the importance of upholding cultural and traditional values.
College authorities defended the idol, stating it followed traditional sculpture forms seen in Hindu temples and was not meant to disrespect religious sentiments. However, Sourabh Das of VHP condemned the students' actions, vowing intolerance towards any disrespect to Hindu deities.
Although police visited the site, no formal complaint was lodged by the college or the protesting groups. Meanwhile, members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a separate protest at the college, denouncing what they termed as vulgarity in the Saraswati idol. Dibakar Acharjee, joint secretary of ABVP unit, stressed the significance of respecting religious symbols, especially on occasions like Basant Panchami when Goddess Saraswati is worshipped across the country.
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