Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury seeks three-day Eid holiday, compares it with Durga Puja

Former Pradesh Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has written to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee demanding that the Eid holiday be extended to three days. Currently, only a single day of holiday is granted for Eid in the state.

Speaking to reporters, Adhir said Eid, like Durga Puja, is celebrated over several days and should be treated accordingly. He proposed that holidays be declared on the day before Eid, the day of Eid and the day after Eid. Along with the holiday demand, he also urged the state government to ensure price control of essential commodities and proper ration distribution during the month of Ramadan. The demand has sparked a political debate, especially in the run-up to elections. Questions are being raised in political circles about the timing of the letter, with critics suggesting the issue has been raised with electoral considerations in mind rather than administrative necessity.

The Trinamool Congress responded sharply to Adhir’s remarks. Party state vice-president Joy Prakash Majumdar accused him of trying to create communal politics in the state. He said Mamata Banerjee has consistently ensured facilities for all religions and questioned why Adhir raised the issue now, alleging that the move was aimed at creating political controversy rather than addressing genuine concerns.