Narendra Modi’s rally in Bahraich on November 8 coincides with Chhat, which is now celebrated in Uttar Pradesh in a big way, particularly in eastern UP.
According to the official, the district magistrates of Kanpur, Jhansi and Bahraich have telephonically informed the chief minister’s secretariat about the timing of the rallies that could spark off more communal trouble in the state.
Moreover, the presence of Mr Narendra Modi will further embolden communal forces.
“When the BJP seeks formal permission for the rallies, we will ask the concerned district magistrates and also the intelligence agencies to submit their reports and the final decision will be based on these reports,” the official said.
The Akhilesh Yadav government, after facing flak for the riots in Muzaffarnagar, apparently wants to avoid any further communal trouble in the state and is particularly cautious about the upbeat mood in the BJP camp.
Moreover, after the inputs of Central intelligence agencies that warn of more communal riots in UP, the state government wants to play safe even if it means inviting political criticism for its decision.
Meanwhile, a senior BJP leader admitted that they were aware of Mr Modi’s rallies running into rough weather.
“The state government is unnerved at the response that the BJP has got in western UP after the riots and will do anything to stop our activities. However, this will not deter us and Mr Modi will undertake a padyatra and visit these districts for some other functions through which he will send his message to the people,” he said.