Bihar BJP MLA is latest to ask Muslims to stay indoors during Holi; Tejashwi Yadav slams ‘divisive politics’
Mar 11, 2025, 04:48 IST
Days after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath backed a Sambhal police officer’s “advice” to Muslims to stay indoors during Holi, Bihar BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur on Monday made a similar appeal
Bihar BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul recently sparked controversy by urging Muslims to remain indoors during the upcoming Holi festival, which coincides with Friday prayers this year. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, notably Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, who condemned the statement as divisive and questioned Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's silence on the issue.
MLA's Controversial Appeal
Speaking to reporters at the Bihar Vidhan Sabha premises, Bachaul stated, "I want to appeal to Muslims that there are 52 Jummas (Fridays) in a year. The one this week coincides with Holi. So, they should let Hindus celebrate the festival and not take offense if colors are smeared on them. If they have such a problem, they should stay indoors. This is essential for maintaining communal harmony."
Opposition's Response
Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of the Opposition in Bihar, strongly rebuked Bachaul's comments, questioning his authority to issue such directives. Yadav demanded legal action against the MLA for attempting to incite communal tension and criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his inaction. He remarked, "It is not his father's rule (baap ka raj). There should be an FIR against him for trying to whip up communal tension."
Yadav further emphasized Bihar's history of communal harmony, stating, "This is Bihar, where designs of RSS-BJP and Sangh Parivar have often been foiled. He thinks he can strike terror into our Muslim brethren. But ours is a land where every single Muslim would be protected by at least five to six Hindus."
Call for Chief Minister's Intervention
Critics have also targeted Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his perceived silence on the matter. Yadav accused Kumar of being indifferent to such divisive remarks, suggesting that the Chief Minister is more concerned with retaining power than addressing communal issues. He commented, "The CM is in a weakened physical state and his JD(U) is completely soaked in BJP-RSS colors."
Context and Implications
The controversy arises as Holi, a major Hindu festival, coincides with Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan, observed by Muslims. This overlap has prompted discussions on ensuring communal harmony during the celebrations. Bachaul's comments have been criticized for potentially exacerbating communal tensions rather than promoting unity.
As the festival approaches, political leaders and community members are calling for mutual respect and understanding to maintain peace and harmony in the state.