“Holi Comes Once, Friday Prayers 52 Times; Stay Home if Colors Trouble You” – Controversy Over Police Officer’s Remarks in Sambhal

Sambhal, 7 March – (www.deccanlive.com): A controversial statement by a police officer in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, regarding Holi and Friday prayers has caused concern among Muslims across the country. The officer’s remarks have also drawn sharp criticism from secular citizens.

According to media reports, the police officer stated that those who object to Holi colors should stay at home on the festival day and not step outside. He further said that Holi comes only once a year, while Friday prayers are held 52 times a year.

This year, the festival of Holi coincides with a Friday during the holy month of Ramadan. In this context, a peace committee meeting was held at the Sambhal police station in Uttar Pradesh.

During the meeting, Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary stated that those who object to Holi colors should stay indoors on the festival day. He urged people to think with a broader perspective, emphasizing that there are 52 Fridays in a year, but Holi comes only once. He further added that both communities should live in religious harmony and respect each other’s festivals. According to him, Hindus eagerly wait for Holi just as Muslims wait for Eid.

CO Anuj Chaudhary’s remarks have faced criticism. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Sharvendra Bikram Singh condemned the statement, saying that the police should not speak like BJP agents. He claimed that some officials make such comments to gain Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s attention. He stressed that government officials, regardless of their religion, should remain secular and treat all communities equally.