Arvind Kejriwal requests Delhi L-G to allow chhath puja celebrations

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote to Lt Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday requesting him to permit Chhath Puja celebrations saying that the COVID situation is under control in the national captital. "For the last three months, the Covid-19 situation is under control in Delhi. I believe, that we should allow the festival of Chhath Puja to be conducted with Covid-19 protocols in place," Kejriwal said in the letter.

The Delhi CM added that neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana have allowed their residents to celebrate the festival with necessary COVID-19 protocols.

The letter comes at a time when the state opposition BJP is demanding the festival be allowed. Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari on Tuesday held a protest outside CM Arvind Kejriwal's official residence demanding permission for Chhath Puja in Delhi.

Earlier on September 30, the Delhi government stated the Chhath puja celebration shall not be allowed in public places, public grounds, riverbanks, and temples citing the COVID-19 pandemic in the national capital.

An order issued by the DDMA advised the public to celebrate Chhath puja at their homes.