'Muslims, stay home during Holi': BJP MLA's advice sparks outrage
What's the story
Bihar's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul has triggered controversy after appealing to Muslims to remain indoors on Holi, which falls on a Friday. The Bisfi assembly constituency representative from Madhubani district said, "I want to appeal to Muslims there are 52 jummas (Fridays) in a year. One of them coincides with Holi." If they have a problem, they should stay indoors for communal harmony, he suggested.
Political backlash
Thakur's comments draw sharp criticism
Thakur's comments faced immediate backlash from leaders across parties. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav questioned Thakur's right to make such statements. "The BJP MLA has asked Muslim brothers not to step out. Is this father's state? Who is he?" "The chief minister is unconscious. When Dalit women talk about their rights and honor, he scolds them. Does he have the courage to scold him (MLA)? JDU is now colored in the hue of BJP and Sangh Parivar."
Congress
Kumar should make him apologize: Yadav
Yadav also dared CM Nitish Kumar to get the MLA to apologize if he has guts. Congress MLA Anand Shankar also accused the BJP of attempting to divide the people on the basis of religion and caste for political gains, while Bihar minority affairs minister and JD(U) leader Zama Khan asserted that there would be no untoward incident during the festive season.
UP controversy
Holi comes only once, Friday prayers 52 times: Cop
Just recently, a cop in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district, Anuj Chaudhary, had come under fire for suggesting that Muslims should stay indoors during Holi if they are uncomfortable with colors. "Holi is a festival that comes once a year, whereas Friday prayers take place 52 times...a year. If anyone feels uncomfortable with the colors of Holi, they should stay indoors. Those who step out should have a broad mindset, as festivals are meant to be celebrated together," Chaudhary told reporters.