The communal tensions simmering in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district ahead of Holi on March 14, which coincides with Friday namaz, have ignited a full-scale political controversy, drawing in opposition leaders, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath himself. What initially began as a routine peace committee meeting to ensure the smooth conduct of both religious observances has now transformed into a politically charged issue, exacerbated by remarks from a senior police officer, Anuj Kumar Chaudhary, who serves as the Circle Officer (CO) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the district. His comments advising Muslims to stay indoors if they felt uncomfortable with Holi festivities, and his assertion that Friday namaz is observed 52 times a year whereas Holi is an annual festival, have led to sharp criticism from various quarters.
Chaudhary, while addressing the media, stated, “If the Muslim community feels that the colours of Holi will affect their religious beliefs, they should stay indoors. If they come out, they should have a bigger heart and understand that colours are just that—colours. The way Muslims eagerly await Eid, Hindus do the same for Holi.” He also emphasized that both communities should respect each other’s traditions and avoid any unnecessary confrontations. However, his comments quickly snowballed into a controversy, with opposition parties accusing him of displaying communal bias and undermining the constitutional duty of law enforcement officials to maintain religious neutrality.
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav was among the first to react, posting on social media: “If officials who are supposed to promote unity speak divisively, how will harmony be preserved under BJP rule?” Former Congress MP Kunwar Danish Ali also weighed in, calling the remarks inappropriate and unnecessary. “Holi has come thousands of times before, and so have Friday prayers. Officials should focus on their constitutional duties rather than indulge in political rhetoric,” he remarked.
As the controversy escalated, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stepped in to defend the police officer, backing his statements and asserting that there was nothing wrong in prioritizing Holi celebrations over Friday prayers. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2025 in New Delhi on March 8, Adityanath stated, “It is true that Friday namaz happens every week, while Holi comes only once in a year. I thank those who announced that Holi should be celebrated until 2 pm, followed by Friday namaz. Many Muslim clerics have also appealed for acceptance of this arrangement.”
In a more controversial remark, Adityanath suggested that Friday namaz was not mandatory in mosques and could be postponed if necessary. “Friday namaz can be postponed—it is not a compulsion. But if they (Muslims) still want to pray, they can do so at home. They don’t need to go to the masjid,” he said. This statement further angered opposition leaders, who accused the Chief Minister of interfering in religious matters and undermining the fundamental right to religious freedom.
Adityanath also justified the manner in which Anuj Kumar Chaudhary spoke, attributing it to his background as a sportsman. “That police official has been a wrestler and an Arjuna Awardee. He is a former Olympian. When a wrestler speaks, he will do so like a wrestler. That might make some people upset, but this is the truth, and it should be accepted,” the Chief Minister said.
The timing of this controversy has further inflamed communal tensions in Sambhal, which is already grappling with a legal dispute over the ownership of the 16th-century Jama Masjid. The dispute arose from a complaint that claimed the Mughal emperor Babur had demolished an ancient Hindu temple, the Harihar Mandir, to construct the mosque. This case, reminiscent of the Ayodhya dispute, has already triggered violence in the district. Last November, during a second court-ordered survey of the mosque, clashes broke out, leaving four people dead. The situation remains volatile, with communal fault lines deepening.
In response to the rising tensions, the Uttar Pradesh administration has ramped up security in Sambhal. Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar has issued strict directives to ensure that both Holi celebrations and Friday prayers proceed peacefully. Under the new guidelines, Holi festivities must conclude by 2:30 pm on March 14, allowing Muslims to offer their Friday prayers afterward. To enforce this arrangement, seven companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been deployed in the district. Additional security measures include the installation of surveillance infrastructure at the Satyavrat police post near the Jama Masjid, as well as district-level police inspections.
District Magistrate Dr. Rajender Pensiya has also imposed restrictions on government officials making public statements without prior approval. “The district magistrate and the superintendent of police are the only ones authorized to make statements. If any official wishes to speak on any issue, they must take permission from me or the SP,” Pensiya announced, signaling an attempt to prevent further controversies.
Despite these administrative measures, the political fallout continues. The BJP government insists that the police and administration are merely ensuring law and order, while the opposition accuses the ruling party of playing communal politics. Many see this as part of a larger narrative leading up to upcoming elections, where religious polarization has historically been a key factor in mobilizing voters.
The people of Sambhal now find themselves at the center of a highly sensitive and charged atmosphere, with anxieties running high ahead of March 14. With Holi celebrations and Friday namaz set to occur under intense security and scrutiny, the administration is hoping for a peaceful resolution. Whether the arrangements will be effective in maintaining harmony or whether further tensions will erupt remains to be seen. As both communities brace for the day, fingers are crossed, and the country watches closely.
