Eid and politics

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Eid address in Malerkotla carried a message of unity and progress, setting a sharp contrast against the communal tensions brewing in some other states. By invoking the historical significance of the town, where Guru Gobind Singh blessed Nawab Sher Singh for his just stand, Mann underscored his administration’s commitment to harmony. His declaration that “seeds of hatred will not be allowed to germinate in Punjab” was a clear rebuttal to divisive politics that have plagued the state in the past.

While Punjab sought to foster peace, neighbouring Haryana found itself embroiled in controversy over the status of Eid as a restricted holiday. The BJP-led government’s initial move to deny a full gazetted holiday sparked criticism, forcing a last-minute revision. The political fracas, fuelled by Congress leaders, once again exposed how religious observances are often subjected to partisan manoeuvring. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh witnessed heightened tensions over restrictions on offering namaz on roads. The Yogi Adityanath government’s directive led to protests and accusations of selective targeting of one community. The ruling BJP’s approach — framing such restrictions as law-and-order measures — was met with opposition from the Samajwadi Party, with Akhilesh Yadav decrying what he called an “undeclared emergency.”

These contrasting developments highlight the divergent approaches to governance in the country’s federal structure. Punjab’s emphasis on infrastructure development and employment generation for Malerkotla’s youth provides a refreshing alternative to the politics of polarisation. However, the larger question remains: Can such an inclusive vision withstand the growing communal discord across the nation? As festivals become battlegrounds for ideological conflicts, it is imperative to uphold the spirit of unity that celebrations like Eid inherently represent.

Editorials