TMC MP Nusrat Jahan partakes in ISKCON Rath Yatra celebrations

The ISKCON rath yatra celebrations might have gone virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this did not stop Bengali film actress and TMC MP Nusrat Jahan and her husband Nikhil Jain from being part of the celebrations. The TMC MP who is married into a Hindu family, visited the ISKCON temple in the heart of Kolkata where the chariot has been kept.

ISKCON decided to keep the rath yatra fixed at one place and that devotees can partake in live celebrations on virtual platforms like social media. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the West Bengal administration had allowed only 25 persons to gather at a spot for religious celebrations which was increased to 50 persons on Tuesday.

“I am a spiritual person more than being religious. I am attracted to inner peace, it is part of my life now. It makes you feel stronger from inside. I have been celebrating all festivals and I have been trolled the most for participating in unIslamic festivities after becoming an MP. Festivals are about joy. I don't have any regrets on being slammed for celebrating all festivities,” said Nusrat Jahan.

The TMC MP who also participated in the ISKCON celebrations last year after her wedding and becoming an MP, says she is unfazed by the social media trolls. “It doesn't bother me. I know exactly what I am doing, I am used to it. I am expecting another fatwa maybe, but that won't dampen my spirit of celebrating all festivals,” added the MP, who has taken a bold stance.

Dar-ul-Uloom based in Deoband in UP had issued a fatwa against her in 2019 for marrying a non-Muslim and wearing sindoor and bangles during the oath taking ceremony in Parliament last June. Jahan however got support from several politicians who said it was her personal choice. Jahan’s reply to the hardliners was that she represented an inclusive India.