Organizers in Delhi Vow to Burn Effigy of Ravana Despite Permit Cancellation
In New Delhi, organizers plan to proceed with the Ravana effigy burning despite the last-minute cancellation of their event permit.
New Delhi, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : Organizers of the Ravana effigy burning event in New Delhi’s Kasturba Niketan Ground are determined to proceed with their plans despite the last-minute cancellation of their permit. The event, part of the Dussehra festival, has faced backlash from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which criticized the decision made by the local BJP government.
Praveen Kumar, AAP leader and co-in-charge of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, raised concerns over the timing of the cancellation, which came just 12 hours before the event was set to take place. He claimed that permission for the event was granted on October 15, allowing organizers to finalize preparations including the effigy, tents, and other logistics.
The abrupt cancellation was communicated by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), which oversees the ground’s ownership. Kumar alleged that the decision was influenced by pressure from the BJP government and local MLA Tarvinder Singh Marwah.
He noted that organizers had already paid a fee of ₹35,000 and complied with all necessary requirements for the permit. Despite this, police and departmental officials were dispatched to inform them that the event would not proceed.
Kumar accused the BJP government of obstructing the Dussehra celebrations, questioning why an event symbolizing the victory of truth over falsehood was being hindered. He criticized Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and MLA Marwah for not providing a clear explanation for the permit cancellation. He emphasized that while Dussehra is celebrated with grandeur in many parts of the country and the world, the situation in Delhi is unfortunate.
The organizers and local residents have invested significant effort into the event and are resolute in their decision to carry out the effigy burning, regardless of the permit issues. Kumar stressed that the tradition would not be abandoned due to bureaucratic hurdles, as the festival embodies the message of truth’s triumph over falsehood.
