Bihar BJP MLA is latest to ask Muslims to stay indoors during Holi; Tejashwi Yadav slams ‘divisive politics’

Haribhushan Thakur, the MLA from Bisfi in Madhubani district, told reporters outside the Assembly in Patna: “Holi falls on Friday this time and coincides with one of the Jummas of Ramadan. I appeal to them to stay indoors during Holi and let us celebrate it without disruption. There are 52 Fridays, they (Muslims) can avoid coming out on Holi.”

He also called on Muslims to not “take offence” if colour is applied on them in case they venture out on Holi.

“On one hand, they make money by selling abir and gulal, but they want to stay away from colour being thrown on them on Holi. It is essential to respect each other’s religion and religious practices to maintain communal harmony,” he said.

Criticising the MLA’s remarks, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav accused the BJP of “playing divisive politics”.

“The BJP looks for opportunities to issue statements that can cause communal tension. We believe in a composite culture,” he said.

Tejashwi also took aim at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, demanding that he rebuke the BJP MLA. “Who is this Bachaul? (Haribhushan Thakur also uses Bachaul as a surname). How can he issue such a statement on Muslims? The CM has gone unconscious,” Tejashwi said.

Another RJD leader and former minister, Israil Mansuri, said, “The BJP MLA should not worry. Hindus attend our Iftar parties. BJP looks only to provoke communal passion and pretends to be the flag bearers of Sanatan.”

Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khan of the JD(U), a BJP ally, said the state machinery would maintain communal harmony.

“The state police remain all the more alert during festivals. We assure the people of communal harmony during Holi,” he said.