The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has decided to ban Chhath Puja celebrations in the national capital. Delhi CM has appealed to Congress and BJP to ‘not do politics’ on Chhath Puja.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Thursday decided to put on hold the celebrations of Chhath Puja in view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Arvind Kejriwal told reporters that there is a risk of the virus spreading as people offer prayers by entering a reservoir during Chhath Puja celebrations.
“We also want life to get back on track, and Chhath Puja should be celebrated with a lot of festivities. But, people do ‘Arghya’ (to the Sun God) by entering a watercourse in the evening and the next morning. But, there is a huge risk involved that even if a person is infected with coronavirus, it can spread to all the people around him through water,” CM Kejriwal told reporters on Saturday.
The Delhi offices of both the BJP and the Congress have registered their protest against the decision.
BJP’s Manoj Tiwari warns of protest
Delhi BJP’s Manoj Tiwari said that the CM has ‘insulted’ the people of Purvanchal (the area between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh). Tiwari held a meeting with Chhath Puja committees of Delhi. He later said that he would protest along with fellow Purvanchalis if the decision was not withdrawn.
‘Don’t do politics’
Kejriwal has appealed to the opposition parties not to politicize the issue as the city witnessed a huge spurt in Covid-19 cases in the months of April-May.
I appeal to the leaders of other parties with folded hands not to politicize this issue, not to do politics on it. Instead, they should join the government’s efforts to raise awareness about the safety of people amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Kejriwal said on Saturday.
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