Congress Leaders Criticize Political Exploitation of Chhath Puja
Congress leaders condemn the politicization of Chhath Puja, emphasizing the festivals sanctity and urging respect for religious traditions.
New Delhi, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : Political tensions surrounding the Chhath festival have resurfaced in India, particularly following accusations from Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, who claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is attempting to gain political mileage from the religious celebration.
In response, Congress MP Manish Tewari emphasized the sacred nature of Chhath Puja, stating that it is celebrated with deep devotion and respect. He asserted that religious festivals should not be politicized, as they are tied to people’s faith and should be celebrated with humility and dedication.
Congress spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar launched a sharp critique against the BJP, accusing the party of consistently turning religion and festivals into political tools for electoral gain. She questioned the integrity of a government that could allegedly tolerate corruption in donations, pointing out that while BJP leaders may enjoy clean environments, the conditions at the ghats in Wazirabad are appalling, with waste and dead fish polluting the water.
Kakkar urged the public not to be misled by the BJP’s tactics, highlighting issues of water pollution in the Yamuna River. She noted that during Congress’s time in power, the capacity for treating water was significantly higher, yet after 15 years, little progress has been made, with many sewage treatment plants still non-operational.
In Mumbai, Congress leader Hussain Dalwai also weighed in on the Chhath controversy, noting that the festival is primarily celebrated in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and suggesting that there is no need for excessive focus on it in Maharashtra. He criticized the practice of politicizing religious issues to organize communities, arguing that it diverts attention from pressing concerns affecting the poor.
Dalwai clarified that he is not against any religion but believes that faith should remain a personal matter, confined to homes and places of worship, rather than being brought into the public sphere.
Tensions continue to escalate as various political figures weigh in on the intersection of religion and politics, with calls for a return to respect for the sanctity of religious practices.
