On 16 September, most government primary schools in Varanasi celebrated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 67th birthday by singing songs and distributing sweets, with classes being cancelled to organise functions, reported The Indian Express.
Celebrations were held as confusion prevailed over official orders to government schools for holding an event. According to Brij Bhushan Chaudhary, Varanasi district Basic Shiksha Adhikari, no written notification was given to primary schools. However, speaking to The Indian Express, BJP Kashi district secretary Ashok Chaurasiya said that the BJP “did not need permission because the party had ‘adopted’ all primary schools earlier this month.”
As UP BJP Denies Orders, Varanasi Gears up for Celebration
Uttar Pradesh BJP spokesperson Chandra Mohan has denied that any official circular was sent to primary schools, and has said that only “local party units” were asked “to hold swachhta programmes across UP.”
However, reports say that celebrations are being planned on 17 September in Varanasi, with city chowks being decorated with 67 diyas and celebrations in 70 government hospitals and orphanages.
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