Congress slams BJP for "politicising" issue of Chhath Puja in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Congress accused BJP of politicising the issue of Chhath Puja celebrations keeping in mind the upcoming elections and rejected the party's demand that a gazetted holiday be declared for the occasion.

Delhi BJP Chief Vijay Goel had yesterday said a public holiday would be declared on Chhath Puja if the party came to power following the December 4 Assembly polls.

"BJP has started politicising each and every issue. The party can go to any extent in order to gain electoral mileage.

"They are misleading people on the issue of Chhath Puja celebrations," said Delhi Revenue Minister, Arvinder Singh.

This year's Chhath Puja will be celebrated on November 8 and 9.

"The number of gazetted holidays has been prescribed by the Union government, and it cannot be increased without replacing an existing gazetted holiday. BJP will have to make it clear which particular holiday it would like to be deleted from the list," Singh said.

Meanwhile, PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chouhan said elaborate arrangements have been made at various ghats across the Yamuna river so that devotees do not face any inconvenience.

Devotees flock to various ghats along the Yamuna to offer prayers to the Sun on Chhath Puja, which is celebrated in Delhi by an estimated 40-lakh-strong 'Poorvanchali' population.

"All agencies, including the Revenue department, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Police, Health department, PWD and MCDs, have been instructed to make elaborate arrangements at the ghats," said Chouhan.

Haryana government has been requested to release extra water for the ghats, he added.