The Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has criticized the Arvind Kejriwal government’s reported move to impose lockdown and has charged the chief minister with creating obstacles ahead of Chhath. However, Aam Admi Party leader Sanjeev Jha rubbished the allegations and said that since the number of Corona Virus cases are rising the Delhi government has only recommended some restrictions. He said he too is Hindu and understands the religious sentiments of the people.
He threw the ball in the court of the Centre by saying that now everything is in the hands of Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The AAP government said that it has only recommended some measures keeping in mind the interest of the people. The recommendation does not say whether it should be implemented before or after Chhath.
The government has appealed to the people of Delhi, especially to the BJP, not to politicise the issue for narrow ends. However, on the other hand the BJP has called the move as against Hindus and has asked the Delhi government to allow Chhath Puja on the banks of river Yamuna.
Ironically, even the Bihar government, in which the BJP is a major partner, has announced some restrictions on the eve of Chhath, which is the biggest festival of the state. It was from Bihar and East UP that this festival has in the last few years spread to all nooks and corners of the country and even abroad.
Even in Delhi millions of Biharis live and observe this four-day festival with full devotion. Many AAP leaders, not to speak of other parties, have their roots in Bihar. This includes Sanjeev Jha who is incidentally an MLA too.
