Delhi: SDMC approves Chhath Puja in park despite BJP protests

On Thursday, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) gave the approval to host the Chhath puja celebrations in the SDMC Park. The deputy director (Horticulture), South Zone, SDMC stated that Chhath puja could be celebrated near house no. J-3, DDA flat in Kalkaji. However, he specified certain conditions for the same which included the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) having to submit a No Objection Certificate to the SDMC office. Also, the deputy director clarified that the park should be dug up only on a temporary basis. It had to be restored after the completion of the Chhath puja.  

Read: Delhi CM Kejriwal Claims Victory, After AAP-BJP Clash Over Chhath Puja

AAP MLA alleges manhandling by police

Earlier, a scuffle broke out between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and BJP workers over the organisation of the Chhath Puja at Kalkaji. Basically, AAP members accused the BJP of obstructing the construction of the Chhath Ghat in the park despite getting requisite permissions for the same. Saurabh Bharadwaj, the AAP Member of Legislative Assembly from the Greater Kailash constituency observed that Chhath puja was being celebrated for many years at the area in question. Added that the puja was being officially arranged under the aegis of the Delhi government for the last three years, he alleged that the police had manhandled the workers of his party.  

Read: Patna Devotees Celebrate Chhath Puja

Bharadwaj said, "The BJP workers are protesting that Chhath Puja should not take place in Kalkaji. Chhath Puja has been organised here for several years. For the past three years, Chhath has been organised here by the Delhi government.” 

Read: Chhath Puja: Bihar Police Finds Unique Way To Catch Cops' Leave Lies

Kejriwal claims victory for Purvanchalis

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also waded into this controversy on Friday. He tried to invoke the sentiments of the Purvanchali community by suggesting that it was their victory. Without directly naming BJP, he opined that some people had tried to disrupt the construction of the Chhath Ghat. The Delhi CM had announced on Thursday that 1108 Ghats would be constructed in 2019 in comparison to 72 last year. Kejriwal justified the move by highlighting that many people had to travel long distances to celebrate Chhath Puja. 

Read: AAP, BJP Face Off At Delhi's Kalkaji Over Chhath Puja Venue Dispute

(With ANI inputs)