Satyendra Nath Tiwari, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), convened a meeting at his Gharwa residence with representatives from more than a dozen Akhara/Samiti groups to discuss issues surrounding the forthcoming Ram Navami celebrations.
The committee members expressed their worries to the MLA, emphasising the widespread indignation among devotees due to what they perceived as adverse administrative measures. Tiwari reassured those present that the Ram Navami Puja should be observed with zeal and without any concessions, stressing that the sentiments of devotees would be fully honoured.
Tiwari accused administrative officials of attempting to curry favour with their superiors by undermining the principles of Sanatan Dharma. He alleged that while corruption and bribery were rife in Gharwa, administrative officials were instead preoccupied with offending Hindus, which he asserted would not be tolerated.
The MLA encouraged devotees to celebrate Ram Navami with enthusiasm, while also urging them to comply with Supreme Court guidelines and noise level regulations. He cautioned against excessive noise levels, citing the potential risk of heart attacks.
Attendees, including Vinod Jaiswal, Arvind Patwa, Suresh Patwa, and others, voiced concerns that the Sub-Divisional Officer's (SDO) actions had fostered an environment of fear among Ram Navami devotees and DJ business proprietors. They alleged that the administration was advising business owners to seek alternative employment and that the SDO had issued notices that were causing considerable anxiety.
Accusations of inconsistency were directed at the SDO, with claims that while restrictions on meat sales were announced, they were being openly disregarded within the city. Attendees questioned why this situation was unique to Gharwa, referencing past incidents where DJs were confiscated during Durga Puja and current notices were causing distress to business owners. They contrasted this with celebrations in Medininagar and surrounding areas, where festivals were being celebrated with DJs.
Attendees appealed to the administration to be considerate of religious sentiments during the festival. Former Member of Parliament Ghuran Ram, BJP leaders Vinod Chandravanshi, and others were also in attendance at the meeting.
