Political Tensions Rise Over Chhath Puja in Maharashtra

Mumbai, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : Political tensions are flaring in Maharashtra over the celebration of Chhath Puja, following remarks by Congress leader Hussain Dalwai and opposition from Samajwadi Party MP SP Singh Patel regarding various religious events. BJP leader Ram Kadam has launched a strong attack on the opposition parties, accusing them of hurting Hindu sentiments.

Kadam criticized Dalwai’s comments, emphasizing that Chhath Puja is a significant religious tradition linked to the faith of Sanatan Hinduism. He questioned whether Congress leaders understand the importance of this festival, which honors Lord Sun.

He accused Congress of hypocrisy, stating that while the party supports Chhath Puja in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, it opposes it in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Kadam urged the people of Uttar Pradesh to take note of Congress’s stance and respond accordingly.

Kadam also targeted Raj Thackeray, head of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), questioning his commitment to Hindutva while opposing Hindu traditions. He asserted that no one has the right to insult the faith of any religion. However, he acknowledged Mumbai’s linguistic and cultural identity, asserting that Marathi should remain the city’s primary language.

Additionally, Kadam criticized SP MP SP Singh Patel for openly opposing the sacred Kanwar Yatra and Durga Puja, labeling these religious traditions as mere pretense. He questioned the SP’s motives, especially with elections approaching, suggesting that such statements undermine Hindu beliefs.

Kadam referenced the 1990 Ram Janmabhoomi movement, accusing the SP of being anti-Hindu due to the violence against unarmed devotees during that time. He advised Akhilesh Yadav, the SP leader, to heed the statements of his party members before making contradictory public appearances at religious sites.

In a personal jab at Rahul Gandhi, Kadam expressed a shift in his feelings towards the Congress leader, moving from annoyance to sympathy. He likened Gandhi to a character from the Panchatantra, suggesting he cannot compare to the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kadam remarked that while Gandhi may have grown physically, there remains a lack of clarity in his thinking, hinting at ongoing political rivalries.

Tensions are expected to escalate further as political rhetoric heats up in the lead-up to the elections.