Ranchi: A day after the district administration issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in the entire city to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during the upcoming Holi and Shab-e-Baraat festivals, state BJP president Deepak Prakash on Wednesday condemned the government’s decision to ban religious processions.
In a video message, Prakash said, “Chief minister Hemant Soren is hurting the religious sentiments of people by banning the religious processions of Sarhul and Ramnavami. The processions are embedded in the religious beliefs and practices of the state’s people.”
He urged the government to consider allowing processions under strict monitoring by the administrative officials who can ensure that participants are wearing masks at all times and adhering to social distancing.
On March 22, Hazaribag MLA Manish Jaiswal had objected to the government’s decision to ban Ramnavami gatherings. “Ramnavami is a festival of reverence in Hazaribag and banning the processions will hurt people’s sentiments,” Jaiswal had said in the assembly.
While Sarhul is scheduled to be held on April 15, Ramnavami will be held on April 21.
Last year, Sarhul and Ramnavami processions did not take place owing to the nationwide Covid-induced lockdown imposed.
In November last year, the state government had caved in to a similar pressure mounted by BJP and reversed its order and opened Chhath ghats across Jharkhand for devotees after banning their entry initially.
Responding to Prakash’s statement, JMM said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week asked all the states to remain vigilant. Your governments in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have banned Holi celebrations and processions. Prakash must refrain from resorting to cheap politics.”
Meanwhile, Prakash also said that BJP expects that Hemant will adhere to social distancing in the upcoming bypoll in Madhupur seat. “We hope that the CM will hold election rallies and public meetings in Madhupur while adhering to social distancing,” he said.
The Madhupur bypoll will be held on April 17.