Modi, BJP leaders to skip Holi gatherings
NEWDELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday he will not take part in any gathering on the occasion of Holi amid an outbreak of the novel coronavirus that has infected at least 29 people in India.
“Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme,” the Prime Minister posted on Twitter.
President Ram Nath Kovind’s office, too, tweeted that the “Rashtrapati Bhavan will not hold the traditional Holi gatherings”. “With alertness and safeguards, we all can help contain the outbreak of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus...,” the post said.
Top Bharatiya Janata Party leaders such as Union home minister Amit Shah and party president JP Nadda took a similar stand.
Holi is on March 10 this year. Shah tweeted: “Holi is a very important festival for we Indians but in the wake of Coronavirus, I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan celebration. I also appeal everyone to avoid public gatherings and take a good care of yourself and your family.”
In his tweet, Nadda said, “The world is battling COVID -19 Novel Coronavirus. The countries and medical fraternity are jointly making efforts to contain its spread. Keeping this in mind, this year, I will neither celebrate Holi nor organise Holi Milan. Stay safe, stay healthy.”
A section of BJP functionaries said after the announcements by the PM and the party president, there will be no celebration at the party office as well.
Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said he too was cancelling a Holi programme in Patna on March 7.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said he will not take part in “Holi milan” in “public interest” and appealed to the state’s residents to refrain from attending social functions.