The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has decided to put a ban on the Chhath Puja celebrations in the national capital. The Delhi CM has made an appeal to Congress and BJP to "not do politics" over Chhath Puja.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) took the decision of prohibiting the celebrations of Chhath Puja, on Thursday, in the wake of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
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Arvind Kejriwal told reporters that there is a risk of spread of the virus as people offer their prayers by entering a waterbody during Chhath Puja celebrations.
“We also want that life should be back on track, and Chhath Puja should be celebrated with much festivities. But, people offer ‘arghyas’ (to the Sun God) in the evening and the next morning, by entering into a waterbody. But, there is a large risk involved in it, as even if one person is infected with coronavirus, he or she can spread to everyone else around him through medium of water," CM Kejriwal told reporters on Saturday.
The Delhi offices of both BJP and Congress have registered their dissent against this decision.
Manoj Tiwary of BJP warns of Protest
Manoj Tiwary of the Delhi BJP said that the CM has 'insulted' the people of Purvanchal (the area between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh). Tiwary held a meeting with Chhath Puja committees of Delhi. Later, he said that he would protest with fellow Purvanchalis if the decision is not rolled back.
'Do Not Do Politics'
Kejriwal has made an appeal to the opposition parties to not politicize the issue as the city saw a massive surge of Covid-19 cases in the months of April-May.
“I appeal, with folded hands, to the leaders in other parties, to not politicise the issue, not do politics over it. They should, instead join the efforts of the government on raising awareness on safety of people amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," Kejriwal said on Saturday.