Former Bihar deputy chief minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has responded sharply to the BJP MLA’s statement asking Muslims in the state not to venture out of their homes on Holi.
Tejashwi hit out at the BJP MLA and asked if the state belongs to the MLA’s father. He also dared Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to take action against the MLA and make him apologize for his remarks.
Tejashwi Yadav’s attack came after the BJP MLA from Bisfi told reporters that Muslims must stay at home on Holi to avoid any clash.
This year, Holi is falling on Friday while Ramadan is ongoing. Friday prayers for Muslims hold significance.
“Holi comes once a year. It is a festival of colors. Muslim friends get upset if someone puts colors on them. That’s why I have said, if you have a large heart, then step out. Otherwise, stay at home so there is no confrontation. Jumma (Friday) comes 52 times a year. They talk about Ganga-Jamuna culture and brotherhood. Leave one Jumma for Hindus then,” NDTV quoted the BJP MLA as saying.
He alleged that the Opposition wants conflict between two communities for vote bank politics and he does not do the same.
Responding sharply to the BJP MLA, RJD leader stated, “The BJP MLA has asked Muslim brothers not to step out. Is this his father’s state? Who is he? How can he make such a statement?”
Criticising Nitish Kumar, he said, “CM scolds Dalit women for talking about their rights and honor. Does he have the courage to scold the BJP MLA? JDU is now in the hue of BJP and Sangh Parivar, and CM only cares about his chair.”
He alleged BJP of engineering riots and said that five Hindus will protect each Muslim.
“During the Babri Masjid row, Nitish called Lalu Yadav ‘courageous’. You must have learnt something from him,” he said.
Notably, a similar statement to that of the BJP MLA was made in Uttar Pradesh when Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Kumar asked Muslims in the region not to come out of their homes if they fear that Holi colors will affect their religion.
His remark was met with criticism from opposition parties in the state, while UP CM Yogi Adityanath backed Anuj Kumar stating, “He has also been an Arjuna Awardee and a former Olympian. Since he is a wrestler, he speaks like one. Some people might find it a bit unpleasant, but it is the truth, and that truth should be accepted.”
