‘Leave the country’: UP minister Sanjay Nishad slams detractors of Holi

UP minister Sanjay Nishad alleged that some opposition leaders were trying to create divisions in society

Published on: Mar 13, 2025, 21:07:18 IST

By HT News Desk

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Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister and NISHAD Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Thursday said that those who have a problem with Holi colours “should leave the country”.

UP minister Sanjay Nishad at a 'Holi Milan' event in Gorakhpur on Thursday. (Sanjay Nishad/X)

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.

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"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?" he asked. “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.

Bihar BJP MLA urges Muslims to stay indoors on Holi

On March 10, a BJP MLA in Bihar stirred controversy over his “appeal” to Muslims, urging them to stay indoors during Holi.

"I want to appeal to Muslims there are 52 jummas (Fridays) in a year. The one this week coincides with Holi. So, they should let Hindus celebrate the festival and not take offence if colours are smeared on them. If they have such a problem, they should stay indoors. This is essential for maintaining communal harmony," Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul, the MLA from Bisfi assembly constituency in Madhubani district, said.

ALSO READ: 'Don't throw colour on Muslims without...': Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi

“They have always had double standards. They are happy to make money by setting up stalls selling abir-gulaal (coloured powders), but if a few stains land on their clothes, they start fearing dozakh (hell),” he added.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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