Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has supported a controversial statement made by Sambhal’s Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Anuj Chaudhary, who suggested that while Holi is celebrated only once a year, Friday prayers occur every week.
The remark was made during a peace committee meeting held at Sambhal Kotwali police station on March 6, ahead of Holi, which falls on March 14 this year and coincides with Friday prayers during Ramadan. Addressing the gathering, DSP Anuj Chaudhary stated, “Holi is celebrated just once a year, whereas Friday prayers take place 52 times annually. My advice to Muslim brothers who feel that getting coloured while going for prayers is inappropriate is to stay indoors until the celebrations subside.”
Speaking at an India Today conclave, Adityanath defended the police officer, suggesting that his statement reflected the tone of a “pehalwan” (wrestler), referring to Chaudhary’s background as a former wrestler and Arjuna awardee. The Chief Minister also acknowledged and appreciated religious leaders for agreeing to hold Friday prayers after 2 pm on that day.
“We should respect each other’s sentiments during festivals. Namaz is offered every Friday, while Holi comes once a year. If necessary, namaz can be delayed, and those who wish to pray at the usual time (1:30 pm) can do so from their homes, as going to the mosque for Friday prayers is not mandatory,” Adityanath remarked.
Opposition Criticism and Administrative Response
The statement sparked criticism from the opposition and Muslim religious leaders, who accused officials in the BJP-led government of acting as political agents. Samajwadi Party (SP) MP and general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav alleged that Anuj Chaudhary had played a role in inciting communal tensions in Sambhal. “When the government changes, such individuals will find themselves behind bars,” he warned.
Congress leader Aditya Goswami filed a complaint against the DSP with Moradabad Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Muniraj G, arguing that the officer’s remarks could sow division and provoke religious animosity. “This kind of statement is highly objectionable and only serves to create hatred between communities,” he said.
District Magistrate Dr. Rajendra Pensiya also took issue with Chaudhary’s remarks, issuing directives that prohibit any official from making public statements without prior approval from either himself or the Superintendent of Police (SP). “Maintaining peace in the district is our highest priority. No officer should make statements that could hurt religious sentiments or disrupt harmony,” he stated.
