BJP posts Manmohan Singh's iftar party image to counter row over PM Modi's attendance at CJI's Ganesh Puja

To counter the opposition's allegation over the independence of the judiciary, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla shared an old picture of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hosting an iftar party at his residence in 2009, which was attended by then Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan among others.

"2009- PM Manmohan Singh's Iftar Party was attended by then CJI KG Balakrishnan- Sshhhh - Yeh Secular hai.. judiciary is safe. PM Modi attends Ganesh Puja at current CJI House - oh God Judiciary compromised (sic)," said Poonawalla in his tweet.

Shehzad Poonawalla shared pictures from India Today archives, which show Manmohan Singh and then Congress President Sonia Gandhi welcoming several dignitaries.

Former Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan, ex-Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, and Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were also present at the event.

Earlier, the BJP had criticised the opposition leaders questioning PM Modi's visit to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's home, saying it was restricted to Ganpati Puja celebrations and was a "part of our culture".

The CJI and his wife were seen welcoming Modi to their residence in a video.

The event of the PM's presence at the CJI's residence came amid a massive protest against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the RG Kar rape and murder for justice with the anger now directed against the Supreme Court.

The CJI is hearing the case. However, the developments in the same have outraged the protesters in Kolkata comprising the civil society and the doctors. The protesting junior doctors in Kolkata also defied the CJI's deadline to join duty or face the state government action.

"Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji. May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health," PM Modi shared in a post.

The Prime Minister was seen wearing a traditional Maharashtrian cap. He even performed aarti of the Lord Ganesha with DY Chandrachud and his wife.

Taking a dig, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote on X, "Okay. After the festivities are over hopefully CJI will deem fit and be slightly freer to conclude the hearing on Maharashtra and the blatant disregard of Article 10 of the Constitution in Maharashtra. Oh wait, elections round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another day."

Separation of powers between executive and judiciary compromised?

Senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General, Indira Jaising, slammed CJI Chandrachud for "compromising" the separation of powers between the executive and judiciary.

Advocate Jaising wrote on X, "Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary. Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI . The SCBA must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the Executive."

Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan said on X, "Shocking that CJI Chandrachud allowed Modi to visit him at his residence for a private meeting. Sends a very bad signal to the judiciary which is tasked with the responsibility of protecting fundamental right of citizens from the executive & ensuring that the govt acts within bounds of Constitution. That is why there has to be an arms length separation between the executive & judiciary."