'Shower flower petals on Muslim worshippers like Kanwariyas': Sambhal SP leader writes to CM Adityanath ahead of Eid

Samajwadi Party leader Firoz Khan cited aerial showers during the Kanwar Yatra and argued that the same respect be extended to Muslim worshippers as well. (Representative Image: PTI)

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and state executive member Firoz Khan has urged authorities to arrange a helicopter flower shower during Alvida Jumma and Eid prayers as authorities step up security measures in wake of the festivities. Drawing parallels to similar aerial showers performed during the Kumbh Mela and Kanwar Yatra, Khan argued that the same respect should be extended to Muslim worshippers as well.

In a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and addressed to Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra, Khan emphasized that after a month of fasting and devotion, Eid holds immense significance for Muslims, and their sentiments should be honored in a similar manner.

If the administration is unwilling to conduct the flower shower, Khan demanded that permission be granted for a private arrangement.

The demand by SP's former Sambhal unit president comes at a time when local authorities have issued stern directives restricting collective prayers on residential rooftops as well as roads.

"Nobody will perform namaz on roads. Collective namaz in houses will not be allowed. People can offer prayers at their house. But they should be careful that there’s no untoward incident,” Sambhal SP Krishan Kumar Bishnoi said on Thursday.

Khan stressed that just as the government had facilitated aerial flower showers for Kanwariyas and Kumbh pilgrims, it should do the same for Eid and Alvida Jumma congregations.

SDM Vandana Mishra confirmed receiving the memorandum and stated that the request is under review. When asked if any such flower shower had been approved in the past for Eid prayers, she said there was no prior information on any such instance.