A group of transgender community members performed a worship ceremony dedicated to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Press Club of India in New Delhi on Thursday, August 20. A cardboard cutout featuring Modi was placed at the venue, while participants chanted slogans including “Jai Jai Modi” and “Har Har Modi.”

The ceremony was reportedly named “Shri Modi Chalisa,” a reference to the popular Hindu devotional hymn Hanuman Chalisa.

According to a report by The Times of India, members of the transgender community also announced plans to build a temple dedicated to Narendra Modi in Delhi. The worship ceremony was held at the location reportedly selected for the proposed temple.

Transgender community leader Dr. Rajan Singh and Mahamandaleshwar Vaibhavi Maharaj were among those present at the event.

Photos and videos of the ceremony, including the worship of Modi, spread widely on social media, sparking considerable discussion.

However, the Press Club of India said it had no involvement in the event. According to the organization, the organizers had rented one of its halls on the pretext of holding a press conference. Instead, they organized the worship ceremony at the venue.

After learning about the event, Press Club authorities intervened and stopped the program. The organization said the ceremony violated the terms of the hall rental agreement.

In a statement posted on X, the Press Club of India said it had noticed photos and videos of an event being held on its premises but clarified that the club had no connection with the program.

The organization further stated that the hall had been rented only for a press conference. Since the renters violated the terms of the agreement, the authorities intervened immediately and brought the event to an end.