Telangana govt says No Muharram processions or Ganpati celebrations this year amid rising COVID-19 cases

The Telangana government has announced that there will be no Muharram processions or Ganpati celebrations this year in the state as coronavirus cases continue to rise.

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has announced that there will be no mass installation of Ganesh idols at public places, neither will Muharram processions be allowed.

Hyderabad Police chief Anjani Kumar has asked devotees to perform Ganesh puja at home, the chief minister asked the Muslim community to cooperate with the government.

Hyderabad CP Anjani Kumar took to Twitter and wrote, "We care for your health and safety. Protect your family against Covid-19. Do Maatam of Muharram at home. Similarly, all Ganesh puja has to be done at home. No idol installation or any event will be held at public places as directed by government. Keep yourself and the city



safe."

On Monday, coronavirus cases in Telangana crossed the 90,000-mark. Telangana now has a total of 92,255 cases while 703 people died so far.

Meanwhile, as the Telangana government announced the restrictions on Ganpati festival, BJP MLA hit out at the KCR government.

The MLA Raja Singh asked what will happen to the poor artists and sculptors who make Ganpati idols for the festival.

He asked, “Reports suggest coronavirus vaccine might not come this year or the virus will be here till next year. You suggest us to stop praying and celebrating till then?”

He also alleged KCR is playing appeasement politics by allowing Bakrid celebrations while putting restrictions on Ganesh Chaturthi.

Raja Singh represents the Goshamahal constituency in Hyderabad which has one of the major Ganesh idol markets in Telangana.