Srinagar, Jan 20: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has expressed concern over the Government of India’s recent circular announcing the closure of all government offices, central institutions and industrial establishments until 2:30 pm on January 22. This decision, as per the government, is aimed at allowing employees to participate in the celebrations for Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya.
“It has been reported that state governments led by the BJP have also taken similar measures,” the CPI(M) said in a statement, terming it as a direct involvement of the government and the State in what should be a purely religious function.
The party emphasizes that while employees have the right to make personal choices regarding their religious beliefs and practices, it is a misuse of power for the government to issue such a circular, the CPI(M) said, adding, “These actions by the government go against the principles of the Constitution and the guidelines set by the Supreme Court, which emphasize the secular nature of the state, devoid of any religious colour.”
