PM Modi’s Ganpati Puja celebration with CJI Chandrachud – Here is how Opposition leaders reacted

A row has erupted following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance at Ganpati Puja celebrations at the residence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud.

The BJP and its allies have strongly criticised opposition parties for their reactions, calling them “reckless” and accusing them of casting “baseless aspersions” on the judiciary, which they argue sets a dangerous precedent.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi attended the Ganpati Puja at the CJI’s residence in Delhi. A video showed Chandrachud and his wife, Kalpana Das, welcoming Modi and participating in the festivities together.

Opposition leaders and some Supreme Court lawyers voiced sharp criticism over the Prime Minister’s visit. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut questioned the appropriateness of such meetings, suggesting that they could raise doubts about the separation between the judiciary and the executive. 

“Ganpati Utsav is a time for social gatherings, but the Prime Minister’s visit to the CJI’s residence for ‘aarti’ may lead to concerns about the meeting of constitutional guardians with political figures,” Raut said.

Senior lawyer Indira Jaising expressed concerns on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the CJI’s participation in the event compromised the independence of the judiciary. She urged the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to publicly condemn what she perceived as a breach of judicial independence.

In response, BJP national general secretary BL Santhosh dismissed the opposition’s criticism, emphasizing that the event was a devoted Ganpati Puja rather than a political gathering. “The left liberals are overreacting to the Prime Minister’s attendance. Civility and cordiality should not be dismissed, and the SCBA should not be seen as a moral compass,” Santhosh said in a post on X.

BJP leader Milind Deora also defended the Prime Minister’s visit, criticising the opposition for what he termed “reckless commentary.” He argued that such accusations undermine the credibility of the judiciary and harm the institution’s integrity.

 “When verdicts favour them, the opposition praises the Supreme Court, but when outcomes are unfavorable, they claim the judiciary is compromised. This undermining of the CJI’s credibility is irresponsible and damaging,” Deora stated.

Deora also remarked that the era of “arbitrary judicial appointments” is over, and the current CJI has served with integrity. He criticised those attempting to tarnish the CJI’s reputation as acting against the nation’s best interests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Ganesh Puja at the residence of the Chief Justice of India (CJI), Justice DY Chandrachud, in New Delhi on Wednesday. The Prime Minister offered prayers to Lord Ganesh, seeking blessings for happiness, prosperity, and good health for all.