Patna DM says no to cartoons at pandals

The Patna district administration has imposed a blanket ban on the use of cartoons in Durga Puja pandals this year, inviting the ire of cart...

The Patna district administration has imposed a blanket ban on the use of cartoons in Durga Puja pandals this year, inviting the ire of cartoonists and revellers alike.

It is common practice among puja organisers to use carricatures of politicians to highlight topical and controversial issues. But the administration wants to play it safe. ‘‘The puja is a solemn occasion and we do not want it to be an occasion to create tension,’’ says District Magistrate Gautam Goswami. ‘‘Such cartoons, at times, try to create caste and religious schism,’’ he explains.

The joint press advertisement released by the District Magistrate and SSP Nayyar Khan says that ‘‘such cartoons are being used to defame others’’ and are ‘‘detached from the pious atmosphere of the puja’’. The statement cites the examples of local politicians trying to outwit adversaries through cartoons displayed at puja pandals as being in bad taste.

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But cartoonists and local residents feel such a blanket ban is uncalled for. ‘‘Cartoons often highlight issues that the administration wants to hide,’’ says Pawan, a noted cartoonist.

An overenthusiastic police officer had removed one of Pawan’s cartoons last year. The cartoon featured Durga slaying a demon. The demon tells Durga: ‘‘Leave this old fashioned fight. If you insist on defeating me, contest the next Assembly elections.’’

The officer had alleged that the cartoon defamed RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav. ‘‘After seeing the cartoon himself, Lalooji ordered it to be restored,’’ says Pawan.

This is not the first time that the administration has interfered. When the fodder scam came to light, then DM Rajbala Varma had removed all cartoons relating to it. This year, the ban covers ‘‘all types of cartoons’’. ‘‘Any organiser who disobeys this order will face strict penal action,’’ says the circular.