NEW DELHI: Congress MP Manickam Tagore criticized Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday for endorsing the Sambhal CO’s remarks on Holi, calling it a blatant violation of Article 15 of the Constitution.
He stated that festivals and prayers should bring people together, not create division.

Tagore expressed on X platform: “Unbelievable! It is a clear violation of Article 15 of our Constitution to discriminate against anyone based on religion, especially in matters of worship. Festivals and prayers must coexist in harmony, not be used to spread division. Nafarat ka bazaar band hona chahiye.”
On March 6, Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Kumar Chaudhary advised those uncomfortable with colours to stay indoors during the annual Hindu festival.
CO Chaudhary stated that whilst there are 52 Jummas annually, Holi occurs once, suggesting Muslims should remain indoors if they wish to avoid colours.
The officer elaborated to the media: “We have requested to the Muslim community that if they cannot accept being coloured, then they should not come to the place where Holi is being celebrated. There are 52 ‘Jumma’ (Fridays) in a year, but only one day for Holi. Hindus wait for Holi the whole year, just like Muslims wait for Eid.”
He further clarified that Muslims avoiding colours should stay home, whilst those going out should accept the possibility of getting coloured.
Specifically, Chaudhary stated: “We have given a direct message that when people play Holi, and if they (Muslims) don’t want colours to fall on them, then they should stay at home. And if they want to go out of their house, then they should be big-hearted enough not to object if colour falls on them.”
The officer noted that both communities would celebrate their respective festivals accordingly.
The festival of Holi, scheduled for March 14, coincides with Friday prayers during Ramzan.