Ranchi, Nov 16 (UNI) The opposition BJP has described the guidelines issued by the Home Department as per which performing the Chhath festival has been prohibited on ponds and other water bodies as anti-people and has asked the state government to have a relook at them.

State BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Deepak Prakash on Monday wrote a letter to the Chief Minister over the issue stating that the people have been hurt by the directions of the government. He said that it was the responsibility of the state government to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and also make sure that the sentiments and religious beliefs of the people are not impacted.

He said that it would have been far better if the government would have held talks over the religious and social organisations who are involved in organising the festival and than should have taken any decision rather than just imposing orders.

Deepak Prakash said that the auspicious festival is linked with nature and water and even a poor person can perform the rituals, therefore, the guidelines which call for celebrating the festival in the homes is an attack on the beliefs of the people as it was also not possible for everyone to celebrate the festival in their homes.

Therefore in the interest of the people he has requested the state government to do a rethink over the guidelines.

UNI AK RN