BJP Fires Back at Opposition Amid Controversy Over PM Modi’s Visit to CJI Chandrachud’s Home for Ganesh Puja

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud’s residence for a Ganesh Puja celebration. The Opposition expressed concerns over the implications of the meeting on the judiciary’s independence, prompting a strong rebuttal from the BJP.

In response, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla highlighted the time in 2009 when former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh invited the then CJI KG Balakrishnan to an Iftar party. Sharing images of that event, Poonawalla remarked that the Opposition had no issues with the judiciary’s independence at that time but is now questioning it due to Modi’s attendance at a religious function.

BJP Responds to Criticism

BJP MP Sambit Patra defended the event, accusing the Opposition of politicizing what he described as a ceremonial visit. Patra questioned why similar criticism wasn’t directed at Singh’s Iftar parties with the then CJI, and said, “Should the pillars of democracy not have cordial relations? This is the essence of democracy.”

Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent meeting with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Patra asked why no one objected to Gandhi’s foreign interactions but was questioning Modi’s participation in a cultural festival.

Support from BJP Leaders

Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav also weighed in, dismissing the Opposition’s objections as unnecessary. “Ganpati is a symbol of new beginnings and positivity. Such celebrations reflect our culture of unity, and all arms of the government coming together for such events is a good sign for democracy,” Yadav wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Opposition Raises Concerns Over Judicial Independence

However, the Opposition, led by Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, questioned the timing of the visit, particularly with ongoing judicial hearings involving the state of Maharashtra. MP Sanjay Raut expressed concerns about potential bias in the case.

Senior advocate and Supreme Court Bar Association President Kapil Sibal clarified that while CJI Chandrachud had every right to invite the Prime Minister, the publicization of the visit was problematic. Sibal argued that with elections approaching in Maharashtra, such a meeting could raise unnecessary speculation and that discretion should have been exercised.