An Indian-American interfaith couple in Uttar Pradesh district was forced to cancel their wedding reception after “threats of protests” by right-wing organizations, officials said on Monday (Dec 16, 2024).
The couple got married in March and registered under the Special Marriage Act at the Indian consulate in the US. Their relatives said that they are planning to organize a reception for family members and friends at a hotel here on Saturday.
However, after the invitation card of the reception went viral on social media, they faced stiff opposition from Bajrang Bal, Bajrang Dal, All India Karni Sena and some BJP leaders.
On December 12, the groups announced a protest against the incident and also pressured the hotel management to cancel the booking.
The groups also approached Additional District Magistrate (City) Amit Kumar strongly protesting the incident. They submitted a joint memorandum signed by former Aligarh mayor Shakuntala Bharti and All India Karni Sena president Thakur Gyanendra Singh Chauhan and warned that it could lead to unrest.
Citing the alleged abuse of Hindus in Bangladesh and the recent violence in Sambhal and Bharaich, the memorandum said the incident could disturb the peace of the city.
Mr Chauhan said the wedding was a “clear case of love jihad” and his organization would strongly oppose the celebration.
The hotel management said that they will follow the directions of the district administration in this matter.
Meanwhile, top district officials held discussions on December 13 but both the families had decided to postpone the afternoon ceremony due to “unfamiliar circumstances”.
The couple are highly educated and skilled professionals from famous families. Family sources said that after initial opposition, both the families agreed to get married.
The families requested anonymity due to privacy concerns and declined to comment to PTI.
published – Dec 16, 2024 03:01 pm IST