Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Sunday questioned the Bihar government’s order to immerse Durga idols by September 30, saying Hindus cannot be pressured to change rituals in the name of administrative measures.
The Patna district administration directed all Durga Puja committees to immerse the idols on Vijaya Dashami, a day before the 10th day of Muharram on October 1, over security reasons.
Mr. Giriraj Singh, Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, said: “ Kya Bihar ka Hindu dashwi manane Pakistan ya Bangladesh jayega ?” (Should the Hindus in Bihar go to Pakistan or Bangladesh to celebrate Vijaya Dashami?)
However, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi hailed the order. “It is a law and order decision rightly taken by the district administration. I appeal to all Hindus and Muslims to maintain harmony,” he said.
The Janata Dal (United) said: “The administration has taken the right move.”
Patna District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal issued the order on Saturday. “It is purely a precautionary measure to avoid possible clashes between Durga idol immersion and Muharram processions.”
