With just days left till Chhath Puja begins, politics over the festival continued on Monday with Delhi Development Minister Gopal Rai taking stock of preparation at the ghats, and the Opposition BJP, which alleged that the steps taken by the government were inadequate, launching a helpline number for devotees in addition to undertaking shramdaan (voluntary work).
Mr. Rai visited Shyam Ghat in Wazirabad where he directed Revenue Department officials to ensure that medical facilities, toilets, lighting, CCTV cameras, drinking water were in place at the location by Tuesday.
“The Delhi government will organise Chhath Puja at 565 locations in the Capital, last year it was just 268. Permanent ghats have been created at as many as 50 locations this year. I appeal to everyone to forget their differences and celebrate the festival together,” Mr. Rai said.
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Mr. Rai also told senior officials of the Flood and Irrigation Department, Revenue Department and the Delhi Jal Board to ensure that warning signs were up at all locations where the water was deep.
Meanwhile, Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari announced a helpline number aimed at assisting Chhath Puja Samitis in the observance of the festival.
Mr. Tiwari had formed a team to help the samitis with an aim to “help them in solving administrative and other problems” related to the observance of the festival, including putting up of tents and arranging for offerings to the Sun God.
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Voluntary work
“The Chhath Puja Samitis can get help by dialling 97114-96114. The team will be led by BJP Poorvanchal Morcha president Manish Singh,” Mr. Tiwari said.
The Delhi BJP chief added that thousands of BJP workers would help the Samitis and devotees.
“For the next three days, BJP workers will offer shramdaan at the Chhath ghats and ensure cleanliness by cooperating with the municipal staff,” said Mr. Tiwari.