Controversy Ignites Over Santiniketan Holi Ban Accusations

A political uproar has emerged in West Bengal, with BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh claiming the TMC government banned Holi in Santiniketan due to an anti-Hindu mindset. However, Minister Birbaha Hansda refuted the claim, stating it was a request to safeguard the environment, not a ban.

In West Bengal, a fresh political controversy has erupted as BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh accuses the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of banning Holi celebrations in Santiniketan, citing an 'anti-Hindu mindset' as the driving force behind such decisions. He asserts that the TMC's decisions are aimed at curtailing Hindu festivals and rituals.

The allegations arise amidst statements from West Bengal Minister of State Birbaha Hansda, who clarifies that no official ban was placed on Holi festivities. Hansda emphasized that the government had merely suggested citizens take caution in playing Holi to protect the environment, as the colors involved can be harmful to the ecosystem.

The situation took a political turn when visuals reportedly from Santiniketan's Sonajhuri Haat indicated areas marked as 'protected', sparking debate and claims of appeasement politics by the opposition. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari further asserted that the TMC's actions were politically motivated, aligning restrictions with Friday prayers during Ramadan.

(With inputs from agencies.)