Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A political row has erupted in state over the Ujjain district administration’s decision to close schools every Monday during the holy month of Shravan — a move the Congress slammed as “irrelevant” and aimed at appeasing the Chief Minister, while the BJP defended it as respectful of religious traditions.
The controversy centres around an order issued by Ujjain Collector Raushan Kumar Singh declaring holiday for all government and private schools under the Ujjain Municipal Corporation every Monday from July 14 to August 11.
To compensate, schools will remain open on the preceding Sundays. The order cites the traditional Mahakal Sawari (procession) held on Mondays during Shravan in Ujjain.
Congress MLA Arif Masood slammed the order, calling it unnecessary and politically motivated.“Mahakal Sawari has been observed for years, and people from all communities welcome it. But now, closing schools on Mondays and running them on Sundays is irrelevant and clearly intended to please the Chief Minister,” said Masood.
The BJP hit back with a vengeance. Party MLA Rameshwar Sharma praised the Collector’s decision and accused Congress of disrespecting Hindu traditions.“Parents in Ujjain will be happy to participate in the Mahakal Sawari with schools shut on Mondays.
But Congress is unfortunate — they never got blessings of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna or Lord Mahadev. All they do is serve biryani to terrorists and sycophant foreigners. I wonder whether Congress belongs to China or Pakistan,” Sharma said.
He said that the Collector was well within his administrative rights to declare holidays based on public convenience.
