Lucknow: Peace and harmony are top of the agenda for local administrations in regions which have witnessed communal tensions and clashes in recent months, like Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh.
However, UP cabinet minister Sanjay Nishad shot his mouth off on Thursday without much thought about repercussions.
Nishad said that those who have a problem with Holi colours should leave the country.
Speaking at a ‘Holi Milan’ event in Gorakhpur, Nishad alleged that some Opposition leaders were trying to create divisions in society.
“People embrace each other during Friday prayers, and they do the same while celebrating Holi. Both are festivals of togetherness, yet some politicians don’t want this unity. A certain section is being misled by poisoning their minds, and they, too, are citizens of this country. If they have issues with colours, they shouldn’t just stay indoors… they should leave the country,” PTI quoted the minister as saying.
“They colour fabrics, paint their houses, and wear vibrant clothes. If they truly had an issue with colours, how would they engage in these activities? Some claim that applying colours harms their faith, yet they wear colourful clothes without hesitation. The biggest traders of colours belong to this very community,” he added.
