Political Turmoil in Delhi as Ram Leela Permit Canceled Hours Before Dussehra

New Delhi, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : Political unrest has erupted in New Delhi following the abrupt cancellation of a permit for the Ram Leela and Ravan Dahan events at Kasturba Niketan Ground in Lajpat Nagar. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, over this last-minute decision.

Praveen Kumar, co-in-charge of MCD for AAP, alleged that the government revoked the event’s permit just 12 hours before Ravan Dahan, despite the organizing committee having complied with all regulations and completed preparations. He described the move as an interference in a religious event and demanded accountability from the BJP government. Kumar stated that the Ram Leela committee had received formal approval from the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) on October 15.

He further claimed that the committee had paid a fee of 35,000 rupees for the event. Following the permit approval, organizers began constructing the effigy of Ravan and setting up necessary arrangements, with tents and other supplies arriving at the venue starting from October 15. According to Kumar, DUSIB officials informed the organizers of the permit cancellation mere hours before the event.

Kumar alleged that the decision was made under pressure from BJP MLA Tarvinder Singh Marwah, who purportedly cited a phone call from higher authorities as the reason for the cancellation. However, these claims have yet to be substantiated by the government or relevant officials. He questioned why the government would obstruct a celebration like Dussehra, which symbolizes the victory of truth over falsehood.

Kumar criticized the BJP for using the name of Lord Ram while simultaneously attempting to halt religious and cultural events like Dussehra. He insisted that if the committee had already secured permission and fulfilled the necessary requirements, the reasons for the last-minute cancellation should be clarified.

He noted that all arrangements, including tents and the effigy, had already been made, creating significant difficulties for the organizers. Kumar emphasized that the committee had adhered to all administrative conditions, raising questions about the permit’s sudden withdrawal.

He articulated that Dussehra conveys a message of truth, justice, and the triumph of good over evil. The last-minute decision has sparked frustration among the public, prompting Kumar to call for a clear explanation from the government. He affirmed that the committee remains committed to proceeding with the Ravan Dahan, asserting that the Hindu community is resilient enough to continue its traditional celebrations despite the permit cancellation.