BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul, from the Bisfi assembly constituency in Madhubani district, in Bihar, on Monday stirred an uproar after he “appealed” to the Muslims to “stay indoors” on Holi, which falls on a Friday during Ramzan.
“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 MLA said.
When mentioned that Muslims observe Roza (fasting) during Ramazan and hold special prayers on Fridays, Thakur said, They have always had double standards. They are happy to make money from stalls selling abir-gulaal (coloured powders), but if a few stains land on their clothes, they start fearing dozakh (hell).”
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav slammed the BJP MLA, saying, BJP MLA Bachol has asked Muslim brothers to stay home on Holi. Who is he, and how can he say such things? Where is the CM? Does the CM have the courage to punish Bachol? This is a country that believes in ‘Ram and Rahim.’. This is Bihar. He needs to understand that here five or six Hindus will guard one Muslim brother.”
Congress MLA Anand Shankar said, “The way demons would intervene in ‘havan’ and ‘puja’ in ancient times, now such people are the people of BJP; they interfere in festivals, try to divide people on religion and caste, take political gains, and that is how they function. This country functions through the Constitution, and if it is so, they should not speak such things. I request the CM to take cognisance and take action.”
Bihar minority affairs minister and JD(U) leader Zama Khan stated that “there will be no untoward incident. The administration has been clearly instructed to ensure harmony during the festive season.”
“Holi is a festival that comes once a year, whereas Friday prayers take place 52 times in a year. If anyone feels uncomfortable with the colours of Holi, they should stay home on that day. Those who step out should have a broad mindset, as festivals are meant to be celebrated together,” Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary said.
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav had objected to the statement, saying, If officials who should not differentiate between people embracing each other on Holi and Eid speak negatively, how will harmony be protected under the rule of the divisive BJP?”
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had supported the police officer’s statement. He said the official may have said it as a “pehelwan,” but what the Arjun awardee said was correct.
