Delhi's Festival Furore: Ramleela vs. Durga Puja Timings Spark Political Firestorm

The vibrant festive season in Delhi has taken an unexpected turn, transforming into a charged political battlefield. At the heart of the controversy are the differing permission timings for two major cultural events: Ramleela and Durga Puja, a disparity highlighted by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Chief Minister Kejriwal recently ignited a political firestorm by questioning the seemingly unequal treatment.

"Which Ramleela ends at 10 pm?" he reportedly quipped, pointing out that permission for Durga Puja and other cultural events extends until 12 AM. This remark, intended to underscore a perceived inconsistency, has instead drawn a fierce backlash from the opposition.

Leading the charge against Kejriwal's statements is Delhi BJP leader Rekha Gupta, who didn't mince words in her condemnation.

Gupta accused the Chief Minister of attempting to sow division within society and engaging in what she termed "politics of appeasement." Her critique suggests that Kejriwal's comments are not about fairness but about gaining political mileage by pitting communities against each other.

The BJP's retort delved deeper into the regulatory landscape, providing context to the differing time limits.

They emphatically stated that the 10 PM deadline for Ramleela performances is not an arbitrary decision by the Delhi administration but a direct consequence of a Supreme Court order regarding noise pollution. This crucial detail, they argue, was conveniently overlooked by Kejriwal.

Furthermore, BJP leaders clarified that the permissions granted for Durga Puja to continue until 12 AM are typically specific extensions, not a blanket rule for the entire duration of the festival.

They also emphasized that these permissions are primarily issued by the police department, not directly by the Chief Minister's office, further complicating Kejriwal's implied accusation of administrative bias.

The political sparring highlights the sensitivity surrounding cultural celebrations and administrative regulations in the capital.

While Kejriwal's initial statement aimed to question what he saw as an imbalance, the BJP's forceful response has framed the discussion around judicial mandates, administrative processes, and allegations of divisive political maneuvering, leaving Delhi's festive spirit momentarily overshadowed by a fierce political debate.