Lucknow: Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary, who found himself at the center of controversy over his remarks comparing the frequency of Holi and Friday prayers, has defended his statement, urging for communal harmony and questioning why legal action was not taken against him if his words were truly offensive.
Speaking at a peace committee meeting at the Sambhal Kotwali police station on Wednesday, CO Chaudhary addressed the backlash, asserting that his statement was not meant to target any community but to encourage mutual respect.
“If my statement was so wrong, then they should have gone to the High Court and the Supreme Court. Why didn’t they get me punished?” he asked, without naming any individuals or groups. He reiterated that his comments were meant to promote harmony between Hindu and Muslim communities, not fuel division.
The controversy arose when, days before Holi, CO Chaudhary remarked that while Holi is celebrated once a year, Jumma namaz (Friday prayers) takes place 52 times annually. He had advised those uncomfortable with Holi celebrations to stay indoors. The statement sparked outrage, with critics accusing him of insensitivity.
Clarifying his stance, Chaudhary insisted that his words were taken out of context. “Our aim has always been to maintain peace, and I never intended to offend anyone,” he stated.
Further emphasizing communal harmony, he highlighted the importance of mutual respect in cultural exchanges. “If you want to feed Eid’s seviyan, then you should also be open to eating Holi’s gujiya. But when one side refuses and the other participates, the sense of brotherhood weakens,” he remarked.
Responding to allegations of biased police action in the wake of recent violence in Sambhal, CO Chaudhary reassured that arrests were being made strictly on the basis of evidence and investigations were being conducted fairly. He urged against politicizing the matter, stating, “We are not doing politics, and we have no intention of doing politics.”
