CHANDIGARH, 31.10.25-Former Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Councillor Shakti Prakash Devshali called the statement made by Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, about the grand festival of faith and sun worship, Chhath Puja, extremely hurtful and unacceptable, describing it as a jibe at Bihar’s faith and devotion. Chhath holds unique spiritual, cultural, and emotional significance for crores of Indians, especially the people of Bihar and Purvanchal, and is celebrated with unwavering devotion by countless families both in India and abroad. Calling this sacred ritual a “drama” and casting doubt on the sincerity of those who celebrate it is a clear insult to the faith and traditions associated with Chhathi Maiyya.

Devshali said that such offensive comments insult not only the festival and its traditions, but also the sentiments of crores of people for whom Chhath Puja is a source of hope, resilience, and unity. This festival stands as a symbol of unbroken discipline, environmental awareness, collective worship, and women’s endurance and prayers for the well-being of their families.

He said it is unfortunate that a Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has chosen to belittle traditions that have been preserved for centuries. Disagreement or criticism in political discourse should never cross the line into disrespecting the beliefs and emotions associated with India’s festivals. Such statements not only foster division in our society but also hurt the national conscience.

Devshali, demanding a public apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for hurting the religious sentiments of all devotees of Chhathi Maiyya and for his insensitive comments, said that no political figure should be so blinded by the lust for power as to insult the faith of Sanatan Dharma in this manner and should uphold the dignity of our cultural and religious heritage.