After a 12-hour-long Cuttack bandh, various other organisations also joined the bandwagon to protest against the Odisha government’s decision for a cap on the height of idols in the upcoming festive season.
Members of Cuttack City Congress and Hindu Jagarana Mancha staged protests at different places to press for their demand on lifting the cap on idol height and closed door worship of Goddess Durga.
Cuttack City Congress members under the stewardship of Barabati-Cuttack MLA Mohammed Moquim staged a silence protest in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Purighat demanding the government to alter its decision on various restrictions imposed on Duga Puja.
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After Odisha Govt Said NO To Relaxation In Durga Puja Guidelines, Cap On Idols' Height To Remain heats of odisha politics. All the people of Cuttack have an emotional bonding with Durga Puja. The government should respect the feelings and lift the unnecessary restrictions. People should be allowed to participate in the Puja freely amid Covid restrictions,” said Moquim.
The Congress leader also slammed BJD for their double-standard on the guidelines issued by the government.
“Many leaders of ruling BJD have difference of opinions on the imposed guidelines during Puja. While, they are criticising each other on this matter, top leader of the party seems to be in the oblivion of the situation. A clear picture should come out soon and people should be allowed to celebrate the festival amid Covid guidelines,” he said.
Meanwhile, members of Hindu Jagarana Mancha also staged a protest in front of Cuttack Collector’s office for an indefinite period demanding the lifting of the curb.
“How often we have to move to High Court to celebrate our festivals. While the government is not putting any curb in its political congregation during this pandemic time, it’s unjustified to put curbs only on festivals,” said a member of Hindu Jagarana Mancha.
It is worth mentioning that, Balu Bazaar Puja Committee on Tuesday filed a written petition in the Orissa High Court challenging the notification of the State government to restrict the height of Durga idols within four feet in view of the prevailing Covid-19 situation.
(Edited by Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty)