Darbhanga (Bihar), March 12 (ANI): Darbhanga Municipal Corporation Mayor Anjum Ara apologized on Wednesday for her controversial statement regarding Holi celebrations, explaining that her intention was solely to ensure peace in the city.
On Tuesday, after a peace committee meeting, Mayor Anjum Ara made a statement suggesting that Holi celebrations should be banned between 12:30 pm and 2 pm due to Friday prayers. She proposed this two-hour break to avoid disturbing the mosque prayers, emphasizing the need to maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the festival. She also advised keeping a distance from places of worship during this time to prevent any disruptions.
After facing backlash for her comments, the Mayor expressed regret and clarified, “I regret my earlier statement. Since this morning, I have received a wide range of responses. Some people have called me a Bangladeshi, others have called me a traitor. I ask the media to thoroughly investigate me, and if any convincing evidence is found, I will accept any strict actions that should follow.”
Ara further stated, “People are entitled to their opinions, but my only goal was to ensure that Darbhanga remains peaceful. If anyone’s feelings were hurt by my statement, I apologize.”
Bihar Minister Ashok Chaudhary strongly criticized the Mayor’s comments, calling them harmful to social harmony. He emphasized that Bihar thrives on love, brotherhood, and unity, adding that people making such statements do so only for media attention and should be removed from the party.
In Patna, RJD MLAs walked out of the Assembly session, accusing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the ruling NDA of disrespecting women in Bihar, including former CM Rabri Devi. Rabri Devi herself remarked, “Nitish Kumar consumes ‘bhaang’ and then enters the Assembly. He disrespects women, including me… He should reflect on the work we did when we were in power. His own party members and some BJP leaders influence what he says.”