The Crossbill News Desk
Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leader Raghuraj Singh has stirred controversy with his remarks ahead of Holi, suggesting that Muslim men cover themselves with tarpaulins if they wish to avoid getting sprinkled with colours while stepping out for Friday prayers.
The festival of Holi this year coincides with the second Friday of Ramzan, raising concerns about overlapping celebrations.
Singh, who holds the rank of a minister of state as chairman of the high-power advisory committee in Uttar Pradesh’s labour and employment ministry, stated that while the administration is vigilant, some people are objecting, PTI reported.
"To those people, I would request that like the women there (apparently referring to Muslim women) wear hijab, and mosques are covered using tarpaulin, they can make a hijab of tarpaulin for themselves, and can move (from one place to another). They will not face any inconvenience, and will be able to offer namaz easily," the news agency quoted Singh as saying.
He further emphasized that Holi is deeply rooted in Sanatan Dharma and that imposing restrictions on throwing colors is not feasible.
"It (Holi) has been celebrated since 'Satya Yug'. Holi comes once in a year. And, hence, I would say that like the mosques are covered with tarpaulin, and their women wear hijab, they should make a hijab using a tarpaulin. Their caps will not get wet. The men can also wear the hijab of tarpaulin. The Hindus should not be inconvenienced,” the BJP leader added.
His remarks come days after a circle officer in Sambhal sparked controversy by stating that those uncomfortable with Holi colours should stay indoors since the festival is an annual event, whereas Friday prayers take place 52 times a year.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended the officer’s statement, saying that while he may have spoken in a pehelwan (wrestler) style, his point was valid.
To avoid clashes, several mosques across Uttar Pradesh have adjusted their Friday prayer timings for March 15. The imam of Lucknow Eidgah has advised mosques to hold Juma namaz at 2 pm instead of the usual time.
Similarly, in Sambhal, an agreement was reached where Holi celebrations will continue until 2:30 pm, after which Muslims will offer prayers.
Chief Mufti of Aligarh, Khalid Hameed, has urged the Muslim community to ensure the festival passes peacefully.
"Muslims should adopt a flexible approach. While going for Friday prayers, they should avoid passing through areas where colours are being sprinkled," he said, also advising imams to delay Juma namaz by an hour to prevent any potential conflict.
Meanwhile, Singh also weighed in on a proposal by local BJP leader Ruby Asif Khan to construct a Ram temple on the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) campus, expressing strong support.
"I strongly support this proposal, and I am ready to make a hefty contribution for this cause," he stated.
The comments have sparked sharp reactions, with critics accusing Singh of attempting to stoke communal tensions, while BJP supporters have defended his statements as practical suggestions for maintaining harmony during the overlapping occasions.
The festival of Holi this year coincides with the second Friday of Ramzan, raising concerns about overlapping celebrations.
Singh, who holds the rank of a minister of state as chairman of the high-power advisory committee in Uttar Pradesh’s labour and employment ministry, stated that while the administration is vigilant, some people are objecting, PTI reported.
"To those people, I would request that like the women there (apparently referring to Muslim women) wear hijab, and mosques are covered using tarpaulin, they can make a hijab of tarpaulin for themselves, and can move (from one place to another). They will not face any inconvenience, and will be able to offer namaz easily," the news agency quoted Singh as saying.
He further emphasized that Holi is deeply rooted in Sanatan Dharma and that imposing restrictions on throwing colors is not feasible.
"It (Holi) has been celebrated since 'Satya Yug'. Holi comes once in a year. And, hence, I would say that like the mosques are covered with tarpaulin, and their women wear hijab, they should make a hijab using a tarpaulin. Their caps will not get wet. The men can also wear the hijab of tarpaulin. The Hindus should not be inconvenienced,” the BJP leader added.
His remarks come days after a circle officer in Sambhal sparked controversy by stating that those uncomfortable with Holi colours should stay indoors since the festival is an annual event, whereas Friday prayers take place 52 times a year.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended the officer’s statement, saying that while he may have spoken in a pehelwan (wrestler) style, his point was valid.
To avoid clashes, several mosques across Uttar Pradesh have adjusted their Friday prayer timings for March 15. The imam of Lucknow Eidgah has advised mosques to hold Juma namaz at 2 pm instead of the usual time.
Similarly, in Sambhal, an agreement was reached where Holi celebrations will continue until 2:30 pm, after which Muslims will offer prayers.
Chief Mufti of Aligarh, Khalid Hameed, has urged the Muslim community to ensure the festival passes peacefully.
"Muslims should adopt a flexible approach. While going for Friday prayers, they should avoid passing through areas where colours are being sprinkled," he said, also advising imams to delay Juma namaz by an hour to prevent any potential conflict.
Meanwhile, Singh also weighed in on a proposal by local BJP leader Ruby Asif Khan to construct a Ram temple on the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) campus, expressing strong support.
"I strongly support this proposal, and I am ready to make a hefty contribution for this cause," he stated.
The comments have sparked sharp reactions, with critics accusing Singh of attempting to stoke communal tensions, while BJP supporters have defended his statements as practical suggestions for maintaining harmony during the overlapping occasions.
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