Declare a state holiday on January 22 to mark Ram Mandir consecration: Bengal BJP Chief Sukanto Majumdar to CM Mamata Banerjee

“It is my humble request to you (Mamata Banerjee) as the administrative head of the state to declare a state holiday on that pious day (January 22) so that all can participate in the festivities. One should also request private organisations to declare a holiday on that day. Schools and colleges should be kept closed on that day so that the new generation can learn to be respectful of the country’s heritage and culture. You have declared state holidays on the birth anniversaries (of many luminaries). I request you to gift one additional holiday to the people of the state, through your special powers.”

The Centre has already declared that all central government offices will remain closed for half a day on January 22. Uttar Pradesh has declared all education institutions to observe a holiday on that day. Goa announced a public holiday for all state government offices and institutions. Haryana has declared a dry day and holiday for all schools.

Madhya Pradesh and Assam have also declared a holiday for all educational institutions. All state government offices will remain closed in Odisha, too. Chhattisgarh has declared a holiday for educational institutions and a dry day on January 22. All government offices in Gujarat will remain closed for half a day.

Banerjee has announced that she will visit a Kali temple and lead a ‘Sampriti Yatra’ (Harmony Rally) in Kolkata on January 22. The Trinamool Congress will organise similar rallies in all districts of the state.