Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday defended a controversial remark made by a police officer in Sambhal regarding Holi and Friday prayers, stating that the officer may have spoken in a straightforward manner like a "pehalwan" (wrestler).
The comment, which suggested that Muslims should stay indoors if they were averse to Holi colors, sparked criticism from opposition leaders and religious groups.
The remark in question was made by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Anuj Chaudhary during a peace committee meeting at the Sambhal Kotwali police station on March 6.
The meeting aimed to ensure communal harmony as Holi, which falls on March 14 this year, coincides with the Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.
Addressing the gathering, DSP Chaudhary said, "The festival of colors comes only once a year, while Friday prayers take place 52 times in a year. If my Muslim brothers believe that getting colors on them while going for Friday prayers is inappropriate, they should remain indoors until the Holi celebrations on the streets subside."
While speaking at an India Today conclave, Yogi Adityanath responded to the controversy by defending the officer. He acknowledged that Chaudhary, who is a former wrestler and an Arjuna awardee, may have spoken in a direct manner, but emphasized the importance of respecting each other's sentiments during festivals.
Adityanath also expressed gratitude to religious leaders for deciding to hold Friday prayers after 2 p.m.
“We should respect each other’s feelings during festivals. Namaz is offered every Friday, but Holi comes only once a year. The namaz can be delayed, and if anyone is willing to offer Friday prayers on time (normal time of 1:30 p.m.), they can do so while remaining in their house. Going to the mosque for the namaz is not mandatory,” said Adityanath.
The remark by DSP Chaudhary has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition and Muslim religious leaders. Many have accused the police officer of acting as a representative of the BJP government under Yogi Adityanath rather than as a neutral law enforcement official.
Samajwadi Party (SP) MP and general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav strongly condemned the police officer’s statement, alleging that Chaudhary played a role in inciting communal tensions in the past. "What can you expect from a cop who incited people during the violence? Such people will be in jail whenever there is a change of regime," Yadav said.
Congress leader Aditya Goswami also objected to the DSP’s statement and lodged a complaint with Muniraj G, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Moradabad. “The policeman is trying to create division and spread hatred among people in the name of religion. His statement was highly objectionable and could increase tensions between the two communities,” Goswami said.
The controversy also led to an official response from the district administration. Dr. Rajendra Pensiya, District Magistrate of Sambhal, issued a directive warning government officials against making public statements without prior approval.
“The top priority of the district administration is to maintain peace. No officer should make statements that could hurt the religious sentiments of any group,” Pensiya said on Saturday.
DSP Anuj Chaudhary has previously been in the spotlight for his participation in a religious event while in uniform. A few months ago, he led a religious procession carrying Lord Hanuman’s mace while in police attire. After a video of the incident went viral in January, he was served a notice asking for an explanation.
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