Last Updated on May 24, 2026 8:35 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Aafreen Hussain from Kolkata
Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, several Muslim religious scholars, ulemas, and community organisations in West Bengal have appealed to people to maintain peace, communal harmony, and strictly follow all rules and regulations issued by the state government and local administration.
During press interactions and community meetings held in different districts, religious leaders discussed important religious and social issues related to Eid-ul-Azha celebrations, sacrifice rituals, public prayers, loudspeaker use, and law and order.
Appeal to Follow Government Rules
The organisations urged Muslims and minorities across West Bengal to cooperate fully with the BJP-led state administration, police, municipal bodies, and local authorities during Eid celebrations.
Religious scholars stated that animal sacrifice should be performed only according to government norms, municipal regulations, and police guidelines. They appealed to people to maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and environmental standards during and after the sacrifice process.
According to the speakers, sacrifices should only take place at authorised locations and in a lawful manner. Ulemas stressed that no activity during Eid should create public inconvenience, disturb law and order, or hurt the sentiments of any community.
Stand on Cow Sacrifice and Public Eid Prayers
Some ulemas and community leaders advised people to avoid cow sacrifice this year and instead offer goats, sheep, or other permissible animals under Islamic law in the interest of social harmony and peace.
Religious leaders also appealed that Eid prayers should preferably be organised inside mosques and designated Eidgah grounds. They said Islam does not encourage causing inconvenience to the public in the name of worship.
If mosques become overcrowded, alternative arrangements should only be made after obtaining permission from the local administration and police authorities.
Loudspeaker Rules and Legal Compliance
The speakers further appealed to Muslims to obey all court directives and government regulations regarding the use of loudspeakers, including sound limits and prescribed timings.
Community leaders warned people against rumours, inflammatory speeches, provocative slogans, and misleading social media content during the Eid season. They emphasised that maintaining peace and communal harmony is the collective responsibility of all communities in West Bengal.
According to the organisers, Muslims in the state want peace, unity, and mutual respect and are committed to celebrating Eid-ul-Azha in a disciplined and lawful manner while preserving Bengal’s long tradition of communal harmony.
Eid-ul-Azha Holiday Controversy in West Bengal
Meanwhile, a political controversy has emerged over Eid-ul-Azha holidays in the state. According to reports and political claims, the West Bengal government has issued a fresh notification regarding Eid holidays after the BJP came to power. It is being claimed that while the previous Mamata Banerjee-led government generally provided two days of Eid-ul-Azha holidays, the present administration has allegedly reduced it to only one official holiday on June 28. The issue has triggered reactions from several political parties and religious organisations across the state.
Political Reactions Over Eid Prayers and Restrictions
Trinamool Congress (TMC)
Leaders of All India Trinamool Congress have reportedly criticised restrictions related to Eid prayers on roads and public spaces. Some party leaders have indicated that legal options, including approaching the court over restrictions on “Sadak par Eid ki Namaz,” are being considered. TMC leaders accused the BJP government of trying to polarise society and interfering in religious practices.
CPI(M)
Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders have appealed for communal harmony and criticised what they described as attempts to create unnecessary tension around religious festivals. The party stressed equal rights for all religious communities while also urging people to maintain law and order.
Congress
Indian National Congress leaders said that festivals should not become political issues and appealed to both the administration and the public to ensure peaceful celebrations. Congress leaders also criticised attempts to create division in society over religious matters.
Stand of Toha Siddiqui
Pirzada Toha Siddiqui reportedly appealed to Muslims to maintain patience, unity, and discipline during Eid celebrations. He stressed peaceful observance of religious practices and urged the government not to create unnecessary restrictions on religious freedom.
Stand of Naushad Siddiqui
Naushad Siddiqui (ISf) criticised what he termed selective restrictions on Muslim religious practices while also urging people not to fall into provocation. He appealed for democratic and legal responses instead of confrontation.
Humayun Kabir’s New Political Platform
Aam Janata Unnayan Party MLA Humayun Kabir and leaders associated with his emerging political platform reportedly said that religious harmony and constitutional rights must both be protected. They appealed for peaceful Eid celebrations and criticised attempts to communalise the issue.
Reactions from Common People and Different Professions
People from different professions, including teachers, traders, transport workers, lawyers, doctors, and social activists, have appealed for peace and mutual respect during Eid-ul-Azha. Many citizens stated that Bengal has a long tradition of communal harmony and coexistence, and festivals should strengthen social unity rather than create division.
Business communities and market associations also urged people to follow hygiene and municipal guidelines during animal sacrifice and waste disposal to avoid inconvenience to the public.
Social activists appealed to both the administration and citizens to avoid inflammatory politics and ensure that Eid celebrations remain peaceful across the state.