Bihar BJP MLA asks Muslims to ‘stay indoors’ on Holi and let Hindus celebrate it, sparks controversy

A file picture of BJP MLA Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul

A BJP MLA in Bihar on Monday (March 10, 2025) made an “attraction” to Muslims to “keep indoors” on Holi, saying that Muslims at all times had double requirements as “they’re blissful to generate profits by establishing stalls promoting abir-gulaal (colored powders), but when just a few stains land on their garments, they begin fearing dozakh (hell).”

He requested Muslims to keep indoors on Holi, which this yr falls on a Friday throughout the holy month of Ramazan, and to “let Hindus celebrate their pageant” with none disruptions.

Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul, the MLA from Bisfi meeting constituency in Madhubani district, made these remarks whereas talking to reporters on the Vidhan Sabha premises.

“I need to attraction to Muslims there are 52 jummas (Fridays) in a yr. Certainly one of them coincides with Holi. So, they need to let Hindus celebrate the pageant and not take offence if colors are smeared on them. If they’ve such an issue, they need to keep indoors. That is important for sustaining communal concord,” Mr. Thakur added.

RJD MLA and former Minister Israil Mansuri took sturdy exception to the utterances of Mr. Bachaul, saying, “there was no downside between Hindus and Muslims when it comes to festivals. Hindus attend our Iftaar events. Why is the BJP MLA apprehensive about Muslims on Holi? These individuals foment communal hassle for political hassle and faux to be flag-bearers of Sanatan”.

Nevertheless, state minority affairs minister and JD(U) chief Zama Khan asserted that “there will likely be no untoward incident. The administration has been clearly instructed to guarantee concord throughout the festive season.”