Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury wrote to chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday, urging her to take specific initiatives ahead of Ramzan and Eid-ul-Fitr.
Chowdhury said he had outlined several proposals in his letter, keeping in mind the “ground realities” faced by the Muslim community in Bengal during the festivities.
“Some arrangements and decisions can help the Muslim community observe Ramzan and Eid-ul-Fitr smoothly,” the former MP said.
In his letter, Chowdhury requested the state government to declare a three-day holiday for Eid al-Fitr.
He said many people travelled from far-flung areas to their native places to celebrate Ramzan and Eid-ul-Fitr with their families.
“If there is a three-day holiday, it would help them celebrate the occasion in a better manner. I have also urged the chief minister to ensure that additional buses and trains are operated across the state so that people can travel conveniently,” the Congress leader said.
Chowdhury further requested that no important examinations be scheduled during the week of celebrations, expected in mid-March.
He stressed the need for adequate food grain supply through ration shops and proper arrangements for drinking water, particularly during sehri — the pre-dawn meal observed during Ramzan.
Chowdhury’s letter invited criticism from the BJP in Murshidabad district, where Muslims constitute over 70 per cent of the population.
Moloy Mahajan, BJP president of the Behrampore (organisational) district unit, said: “It seems he is trying to get closer to Muslims now. Instead of talking about the development of the minority community, he is only asking for more holidays. This is disappointing and suggests desperation to woo Muslim voters, particularly after he lost the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.”
Later on Tuesday evening, Chowdhury made two other demands before the state government. “During Ramzan and Eid-ul-Fitr, the Imams and muezzins should be handed over an additional allowance,” he said.
Chowdhury referred to the state's assistance for “other religions” during festivities. “Similarly, during Eid-ul-Fitr, all idgahs should be illuminated, and the state should provide funds for it,” he added.
