BJP leader Raghuraj Singh suggested that Muslim men wear tarpaulin hijabs to avoid inconvenience during Holi, which coincides with Juma namaz on March 14 in Ramzan. Singh, who holds a ministerial rank in Uttar Pradesh, claimed this would help Muslims avoid getting wet while allowing them to pray undisturbed. His remarks triggered widespread debate, reported the Hindustan Times.
Singh emphasized Holi’s ancient significance and argued that Hindus should not be inconvenienced. His comments followed a Sambhal police officer’s controversial remark advising those uncomfortable with Holi colors to stay indoors, as Juma namaz happens 52 times a year while Holi is an annual festival. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath backed the officer’s statement.
To prevent conflicts, several mosques in UP have adjusted prayer timings. The Lucknow Eidgah imam suggested moving Juma prayers to 2 pm and advised Muslims to pray at nearby mosques. In Sambhal, police set Holi celebrations until 2:30 pm, after which Muslims could pray.
Chief Mufti of Aligarh, Khalid Hameed, urged a peaceful approach, advising Muslims to avoid areas where Holi colors are thrown and for imams to delay prayers by an hour. Meanwhile, Singh also supported BJP leader Ruby Asif Khan’s proposal to build a Ram temple on the AMU campus, pledging financial support. His remarks have further fueled religious tensions in UP.
