Modi's Ganapati Puja Attendance Sparks Criticism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attendance at Ganpati Puja celebrations at Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud's residence has sparked controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the event as a potential compromise of judicial independence. BJP leaders defended Modi's visit, arguing it reflects the strength of Indian secularism and questioning the opposition's double standards, particularly in comparison to past iftar gatherings attended by former Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. Senior lawyer Indira Jaising asserted that the CJI's interaction with the Prime Minister undermines the separation of powers, while BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra emphasized the importance of cordial relations among different branches of government. Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis criticized the opposition for their outrage, questioning why similar objections were not raised in the past during iftar events. The BJP maintains that the puja is a cultural celebration, with Fadnavis stressing the significance of Ganeshotsav in Maharashtra. Opposition figures, including Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut, have called for the CJI to recuse himself from a case involving political tensions.