Patna : As Holi coincides with a Friday during Ramadan this year, political leaders in Bihar have voiced contrasting views on how the celebrations should unfold. While BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul has sparked controversy with remarks suggesting that Muslims should stay indoors unless they are willing to be smeared with colours, Minority Welfare Minister Mohammad Jama Khan has called for communal harmony, urging both Hindus and Muslims to celebrate together.
During the ongoing budget session of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha,Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul stated that Muslims who oppose Holi should remain at home. “Friday comes 52 times a year, but Holi is celebrated only once. If they have a big heart, they should step out, and if someone applies colour, they should not take offence,” he said. He also questioned why Muslims sell Holi-related items if they are unwilling to participate in the festival.
In contrast, Jama Khan, speaking in Kaimur, emphasised unity and peaceful coexistence. “Bihar has always been known for communal harmony. Holi and Friday prayers will be observed together in a spirit of brotherhood,” he said. He urged both communities to respect each other’s traditions, stating, “God and Allah will forgive if one misses a day of fasting or prayer, but they will never forgive the disruption of brotherhood.”
