The Crossbill News Desk
A controversy erupted in Bihar after Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul urged Muslims to "stay indoors" on Holi, which falls on a Friday this year during the holy month of Ramazan.
His remarks, made at the Vidhan Sabha premises on Monday (March 10), have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders.
Bachaul, the MLA from Bisfi in Madhubani district, stated that Muslims should not take offence if they are smeared with colours during Holi and should remain inside if they have concerns.
"I want to appeal to Muslims there are 52 jummas (Fridays) in a year. One of them coincides with Holi. So, they should let Hindus celebrate the festival and not take offence if colours are smeared on them. If they have such a problem, they should stay indoors. This is essential for maintaining communal harmony," the BJP leader was quoted by news agency PTI as saying.
When reminded that Muslims observe Roza and offer special Friday prayers during Ramazan, Bachaul accused them of "double standards." He claimed that while Muslims benefit economically from selling festive items like abir and gulaal, they object to being smeared with colours.
"They have always had double standards. They are happy to make money by setting up stalls selling abir-gulaal (coloured powders), but if a few stains land on their clothes, they start fearing dozakh (hell)," Bachaul added.
The remarks have been met with strong opposition. RJD MLA and former minister Israil Mansuri dismissed Bachaul's concerns.
"There has been no problem between Hindus and Muslims when it comes to festivals. Hindus attend our Iftaar parties. Why is the BJP MLA worried about Muslims on Holi? These people foment communal trouble for political trouble and pretend to be flag-bearers of Sanatan," Mansuri said, reported PTI.
Meanwhile, state minority affairs minister and JD(U) leader Zama Khan assured that law and order would be maintained.
"The administration has been clearly instructed to ensure harmony during the festive season," he said.
The controversy comes amid heightened political sensitivities as Bihar gears up for upcoming elections.
His remarks, made at the Vidhan Sabha premises on Monday (March 10), have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders.
Bachaul, the MLA from Bisfi in Madhubani district, stated that Muslims should not take offence if they are smeared with colours during Holi and should remain inside if they have concerns.
"I want to appeal to Muslims there are 52 jummas (Fridays) in a year. One of them coincides with Holi. So, they should let Hindus celebrate the festival and not take offence if colours are smeared on them. If they have such a problem, they should stay indoors. This is essential for maintaining communal harmony," the BJP leader was quoted by news agency PTI as saying.
When reminded that Muslims observe Roza and offer special Friday prayers during Ramazan, Bachaul accused them of "double standards." He claimed that while Muslims benefit economically from selling festive items like abir and gulaal, they object to being smeared with colours.
"They have always had double standards. They are happy to make money by setting up stalls selling abir-gulaal (coloured powders), but if a few stains land on their clothes, they start fearing dozakh (hell)," Bachaul added.
The remarks have been met with strong opposition. RJD MLA and former minister Israil Mansuri dismissed Bachaul's concerns.
"There has been no problem between Hindus and Muslims when it comes to festivals. Hindus attend our Iftaar parties. Why is the BJP MLA worried about Muslims on Holi? These people foment communal trouble for political trouble and pretend to be flag-bearers of Sanatan," Mansuri said, reported PTI.
Meanwhile, state minority affairs minister and JD(U) leader Zama Khan assured that law and order would be maintained.
"The administration has been clearly instructed to ensure harmony during the festive season," he said.
The controversy comes amid heightened political sensitivities as Bihar gears up for upcoming elections.
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