Vinod Bansal Urges Politics to Stay Out of Chhath Puja Celebrations

New Delhi, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : Vinod Bansal, spokesperson for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), responded to a recent statement by Raj Thackeray, leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, regarding Chhath Puja. He described the festival as a significant occasion for worshipping the Sun God and expressing gratitude towards nature. Bansal stressed that Hindu festivals should remain apolitical, a principle that has been increasingly overlooked in recent decades. He urged people to avoid making disrespectful or inappropriate comments about sacred festivals and their devotees.

In an interview, Bansal elaborated that Chhath Puja is unique in its focus on nature, highlighting gratitude towards the country and deities who provide for all without discrimination. The festival also conveys a message of water conservation linked to rivers and lakes, celebrating the Sun God’s contributions.

Wishing all devotees well, Bansal expressed hope that the blessings of Chhath Maiya would always be upon them. Addressing Thackeray’s remarks, he reiterated the importance of separating politics from Hindu festivals. He noted that when politicians engage in political discourse during such festivals, their true mindset often becomes evident. Such comments do not affect Chhath Maiya, the Sun God, or their followers but rather reveal the mentality of those making them. Bansal prayed for wisdom for those who make hurtful remarks about sacred festivals and their devotees.

In response to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s comments about Hindu voters being removed from the electoral rolls, Bansal stated that any individual mistakenly removed should be reinstated. He emphasized that checking one’s name on the voter list is a responsibility for all citizens, regardless of their community. This duty falls not only on political parties but also on every voter. He shared his own experience of advising a friend to correct their voter registration in Delhi and ensuring that his family members‘ names were checked as well.

Bansal urged political parties to maintain contact with every voter in their areas to prevent wrongful removals from the lists. He noted that voters might lose their names due to changes in residence or absence. However, he highlighted the need for a review regarding the large-scale removal of Hindu voters and suggested that the Election Commission should take note of this issue.

He particularly appealed to Hindu voters in Uttar Pradesh and other election-bound states, reminding them that voting is not just a national right but also a significant duty. Therefore, ensuring their names are correctly listed is essential.

On the extension of the ban on Zakir Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for another five years, Bansal welcomed the central government’s decision. He accused Naik of engaging in harmful activities against the country, claiming he promotes jihad and is involved in large-scale conversions. Bansal also criticized Congress leaders for glorifying such individuals. He commended the Indian government for maintaining the ban and called for expedited extradition proceedings against Naik to ensure he faces legal consequences in India.