Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul, representing the Bisfi constituency in Madhubani district, addressed media personnel at the Bihar Legislative Assembly premises, stating, "I want to appeal to Muslims there are 52 jummas in a year. The one this week coincides with Holi. So, they should let Hindus celebrate the festival and not take offence if colours are smeared on them. If they have such a problem, they should stay indoors. This is essential for maintaining communal harmony."
The BJP legislator further commented on the perceived double standards, noting that while some Muslims engage in selling festival-related items like abir-gulaal , they might object to participating in the festivities themselves. He remarked, "They have always had double standards. They are happy to make money by setting up stalls selling abir-gulaal , but if a few stains land on their clothes, they start fearing dozakh ."
Tejashwi Yadav responded with strong disapproval, questioning Bachaul's authority to issue such directives. He asserted, "Who is he and how can he say such things? Where is the Chief Minister? He is in an unconscious mode. When women raise their voices for their rights, he scolds them. Did he have the courage to scold the MLA?" Yadav emphasized Bihar's tradition of communal harmony, stating, "This is Bihar. One Muslim brother will be protected by five Hindus here. As long as our party and followers of Lalu Yadav's ideology exist, we will not let them fulfill their agenda."
The RJD leader also took aim at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accusing him of prioritizing political alliances over the state's social fabric. He commented, "He doesn't care about anything. Sab koi jae bhaad mein, apan kursi ke jugaad mein." Yadav further alleged that the Janata Dal , or JD, had come under the influence of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh , stating, "There is a lot of BJP and Sangh influence on JDU; pure Sangh aur BJP ke rang mein JDU aa chuka hai."
The controversy arises as Holi coincides with a Friday during the holy month of Ramzan, a period when Muslims observe fasting and congregational prayers. Bachaul's remarks have been perceived by many as an attempt to provoke communal tensions. Yadav demanded legal action against the BJP MLA, stating, "It is not his father's rule . There should be an FIR against him for trying to whip up communal tension."
The incident has sparked a broader debate on the role of political leaders in maintaining communal harmony. Observers note that such statements can exacerbate existing divides and undermine the state's longstanding tradition of unity amidst diversity. As Bihar approaches upcoming elections, the political climate remains charged, with parties navigating the delicate balance between electoral strategies and the imperative of social cohesion.
In the wake of these developments, civil society organizations and community leaders have called for restraint and responsible rhetoric from public figures. They emphasize the importance of celebrating festivals in a manner that respects all communities and upholds the secular fabric of the nation.
The Chief Minister's office has yet to issue an official statement regarding the controversy. Political analysts suggest that the administration's response will be crucial in setting the tone for communal relations in the state during the festive season.