Political tensions have escalated in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh over the celebration of Holi and the observance of Jumma prayers. The latest controversy comes from Anjum Ara, the mayor of Darbhanga, who called for a ban on Holi celebrations between 12:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to avoid any clashes with Jumma prayers. She suggested that people playing Holi should maintain a distance from mosques during this time. This statement has sparked a political storm in Bihar, with both the ruling JD(U) and opposition parties, including BJP and RJD, voicing their strong opinions. BJP’s Haribhushan Thakur condemned Anjum Ara’s remarks, accusing her of promoting an extremist ideology. He even claimed that her family had a controversial history. Meanwhile, RJD and Congress have also weighed in, with accusations that these statements are part of a larger political strategy to divert attention from real issues in the run-up to the elections. The issue has become a flashpoint in the state, with political leaders debating whether such comments fuel religious tensions. With elections approaching, the political landscape in Bihar is heating up, with parties using the festival of Holi as a battleground for their ideological battles.
