Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Anurag Dhanda took a swipe at the Dussehra celebrations in Haryana, saying that people in the state had burned the “real Ravana” this year.
In a post on social media platform X, Dhanda wrote, “Haryana walon ne hi asli Ravan jalaya hai is baar. Jai Siyaram,” suggesting that the state’s Dussehra celebrations carried a symbolic message beyond the traditional burning of Ravana’s effigy.
His remark came after news agency ANI shared visuals from Panchkula, Haryana, where a 221-foot-tall effigy of Ravana had been prepared for Dussehra celebrations on October 20.
221-Foot Ravana Effigy Prepared in Panchkula
According to ANI, a 221-foot-tall effigy of Ravana was prepared in Panchkula as part of the Dussehra festivities. The towering effigy was among the prominent attractions associated with the celebrations.
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, marks the victory of good over evil and commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The burning of Ravana’s effigies is a traditional feature of celebrations in many parts of India.
Anurag Dhanda Remark Draws Attention on Social Media
Dhanda’s comment used the symbolism of Ravana’s burning to make a pointed remark about Haryana. However, his post did not explicitly identify the person or issue he was referring to as the “real Ravana.”
The statement linked the state’s Dussehra celebrations with a political message, while the reported preparation of the 221-foot effigy provided the immediate context for the post.
The episode highlights how traditional festivals such as Dussehra can also become a platform for political commentary, with public figures using familiar cultural symbols to convey messages on current affairs.
ANI reported the effigy preparations in Panchkula on October 20, while Dhanda shared his remark on X in connection with the occasion.
