In a fresh controversy, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched an attack on the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, alleging a reduction in holidays for Hindu festivals and an increase for Muslim festivals. Union minister Ashwini Choubey labeled Nitish Kumar as the “chief of appeasement,” claiming an “anti-Hindu face” in the grand alliance.
Choubey posted on X, “Once again the anti-Hindu face of the uncle-nephew government came to the fore. On one hand, holidays for Muslim festivals are being extended in schools, while holidays for Hindu festivals are being abolished. Shame on the government that hates Sanatan for vote bank.”
The Bihar education department released the 2024 holiday calendar, justifying changes for a minimum of 220 teaching days under the Right to Education. Summer vacation days increased from 20 to 30, while holidays for Hindu festivals like Hartalika Teej and Jitiya were removed. In contrast, holidays for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) were extended to three days each.
Firebrand BJP leader Giriraj Singh took to X, dubbing Bihar the “Islamic Republic of Bihar” and accusing the government of favoring Muslim festivals over Hindu ones.
This isn’t the first time such allegations surfaced, as a similar controversy unfolded earlier this year. The Bihar government had initially reduced school holidays from 22 to 8, triggering opposition and subsequent withdrawal of the order.
(With inputs from agencies)
