New Delhi [India], March 12 (ANI): Samajwadi Party MP Awadesh Prasad has slammed the BJP's 'double-engine government' for creating a baseless controversy around Darbhanga Mayor Anjum Ara's statement on Holi and Ramzan.

Prasad accused the BJP of trying to divert attention from the country's pressing issues, such as inflation, unemployment, and law and order.

'Those who are creating this baseless controversy are from BJP's double-engine government. They are confusing the people so that they do not discuss our country's present problems like inflation, unemployment and law and order... The police, government and the administration are in place to ensure that all festivals are celebrated peacefully...,' said Prasad.

A controversy erupted after the Mayor of Darbhanga, Bihar, proposed that playing Holi should be banned between 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm--a two-hour break during Holi celebrations on March 14, which coincides with Friday prayers in the holy month of Ramzan.

Later, the Darbhanga Mayor expressed regret for her statement on Holi and clarified that she intended to maintain peace in the city.

'I have expressed regret over my statement. From early in the morning, the people are calling me Bangladeshi and anti-national. My intention was for peace to be maintained in Darbhanga. But, if anyone's faith has been hurt, I express regret over my statement.'

BJP MP Ashoka Kumar Yadav condemned the Darbhanga Mayor's statement, urging her to retract it.'Holi comes once a year. It is a very big festival for Hindus. This type of expression is inspired by communalism. It does not befit a prominent citizen like her. She should rather cooperate in the celebration of Holi. I condemn her statement and ask her to retract it,' Yadav said. (ANI)