Patna (Bihar) [India]: BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur on Wednesday strongly criticized the Darbhanga Mayor over her recent statement regarding Holi celebrations, alleging she holds a “terrorist mentality” and has a family history linked to such ideology.
Thakur emphasized that Holi celebrations would continue without interruption, warning that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the festivities.
“The mayor of Darbhanga is a woman of Ghazwa-e-Hind and a terrorist mentality; the family she belongs to has a long history of this. Holi will be celebrated all over the place; those who do not like it should avoid it. Where are the RJD, Congress, and Communist people? Why have they become silent? They are trying to ignite a fire, and that fire will not be ignited. The strictest action will be taken against such people; the Holi celebration will not stop — there will not be a break for even a minute. Holi will be celebrated in a grand manner,” Thakur stated.
The controversy erupted following a statement by Darbhanga Mayor Anjum Ara ahead of the upcoming Holi festival on March 14, which coincides with Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramzan.
In her statement, Anjum Ara appealed to city residents to observe a two-hour break from Holi festivities between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to respect the timing of Jumma prayers.
“Jumma time cannot be extended, so there should be a two-hour break on Holi,” the Mayor requested.
She further urged Holi participants to maintain distance from mosques and places of prayer during this period.
“Holi and Ramzan have been celebrated many times before, peacefully in the district,” she added.
The Mayor’s statement followed a peace committee meeting organized by the district administration to ensure communal harmony during the overlapping festivities.
Meanwhile, in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, Circle Officer Anuj Kumar Chaudhary had earlier remarked that those uncomfortable with Holi colors should consider staying indoors.
“Since Holi comes once a year and there are 52 Jummas (Fridays) in a year, people from the Muslim community have been requested to stay indoors if they cannot accept being coloured,” said Chaudhary during a peace committee meeting on March 7.
The remarks from both sides have drawn mixed reactions, with some calling for calm and respect for all religious observances.