Bengaluru: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya Calls Durga Puja Guidelines Discriminatory, BBMP Says Will Review

Taking to Twitter, Surya said, "I spoke to BBMP Commissioner & asked him to revisit Durga Pooja rules which are discriminatory, arbitrary & illogical. He assured me that these rules will be reviewed

BJP MP for South Bengaluru Tejasvi Surya. (File photo)

Chennai: A day after Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) issued guidelines for all associations taking up Durga Puja, BJP MP from Bengaluru South Tejasvi Surya asked the BBMP Commissioner to review the rules as the former claimed them to be discriminatory, arbitrary and illogical.

In a letter written to the chief commissioner of BBMP, Tejasvi said, "The restrictions imposed through the order regarding the size of idol appears to be taken without any logical relevance. It is beyond the understanding of any reasonable person as to how the size of the idol is related to the spread of Covid-19 virus. There is no basis for this decision of allowing the idols which are only 4ft or below. This is prima facie arbitrary and devoid of merit."

Taking to Twitter, Surya said, "I spoke to BBMP Commissioner & asked him to revisit Durga Pooja rules which are discriminatory, arbitrary & illogical. He assured me that these rules will be reviewed forthwith & sentiments of devotees will be given utmost importance. Let’s celebrate with all fervour!"

I spoke to @BBMPCOMM & asked him to revisit Durga Pooja rules which are discriminatory, arbitrary & illogical.

He assured me that these rules will be reviewed forthwith & sentiments of devotees will be given utmost importance.

Let’s celebrate with all fervour!#ShubhoMahalaya https://t.co/cLkqI9yxz1 pic.twitter.com/9Ypxy1w2aR

— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) October 6, 2021

On Wednesday, the BBMP has issued guidelines for the associations taking up Durga Puja in view to not spread the Covid-19 virus. The precautionary guidelines are given in the aspects of size of idol, pushpanjall, darshan, debi boron (visarjan) and other safety precautions.

According to the BBMP release, here are the guidelines issued:

Size of Idol:

• Shall not exceed more than 4 feet
• Shall be sanitized thoroughly before installation
• One idol should be installed per ward with the permission of respective Joint Commissioner of the zone.

Pushpanjall (Prayers):

• Only basic prayer and rituals are allowed.
• Shall not allow more than 50 people at a time during prayers.
• Shall ensure proper social distancing to be followed as prescribed.
• Association management shall strictly monitor and adhere to Covid Appropriate Behavior.
• Distribution of sweets, fruits and flowers are prohibited.

Darshan:

• Association shall issue invitation cards for guests with specific timing slot so as to not breach 100 numbers at a time.

Debi Boron (Visarjan):

• Association should not allow more than 10 members at a time for Debi Boron • Queue for Debi Boron should follow social distancing norm
• Sindur Khela should be restricted within maximum 10 members at a time.
• No DJ/Dhol/Drums during visarjan procession
• Visarjan shall be at the public tank / Immersion pond as identified & permitted by Zonal Joint Commissioner and Police.

Other Safety Precautions:

• Shall mandatorily do thermal screening, sanitization for all visitors in entry gate.
• Additional sanitizer bottles to be placed in multiple places Inside the venue.
• Shall follow social distancing (Minimum 6 feet distance) & masking for all visitors inside the premises.
• Sanitization of chairs, tables, floors are to be done at least 4 times a day.
• Display of safety norms for Covid-19 inside the venue / premises is mandatory.
• Installation of potable drinking water for all visitors.