Controversy has started regarding the effigy prepared in the ongoing Cochin Carnival in Kochi, Kerala. BJP has alleged that the face of the effigy of ‘Pappanji’ prepared by the Cochin Carnival Committee to be burnt on New Year’s Day resembles that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. When the curtain was removed from the effigy, BJP workers opposed it. There was an altercation between the workers and artisans who made this effigy.
BJP workers alleged that the mannequin’s face was made to look like Narendra Modi’s to insult the prime minister deliberately. He also said that he would file a police complaint against it. After this, the police held talks with the protesters and carnival workers. The protest ended when the carnival committee announced they would change the effigy’s face.
Let us tell you that it has been a custom of Cochin Carnival for years that ‘Pappanji’ is lit at midnight to welcome the new year. Every year ‘Pappaji’ is burnt on the beach of the famous Fort Kochi at midnight on 31st December. Which symbolically ends the burden of the passing year and marks the beginning of the new year anew.
An official of the Cochin Carnival Committee said all the issues had been resolved. Noting that the Cochin Carnival Committee comprises people from all parties and religions, he said, “We have changed the face of the effigy after protests by BJP workers. Now, let us all work unitedly to celebrate the carnival.”
Advocate KS Shaiju, BJP Ernakulam district president, alleged that it was the “handiwork of some vested interests” by the carnival committee, who wanted to create trouble in the Cochin Carnival, a famous cultural festival. He urged the carnival committee to oust such vested interests from the famous stage.
