BJP Criticizes Akhilesh Yadav's Comparison of Diwali and Christmas Celebrations

The BJP criticized Akhilesh Yadav for his comments, stating that he has a "problem when Ayodhya is shining".

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday sparked controversy by questioning government expenditure on Diwali celebrations and comparing them to Christmas celebrations worldwide. He suggested that India should take inspiration from global Christmas festivities.

"I will give one suggestion in the name of Lord Ram. Across the world, all cities get illuminated during Christmas, and that goes on for months. We should learn from them. Why do we have to spend money on lamps and candles and put so much thought into it?" Yadav remarked during a public address.

He further stated, "What can we expect from this government? It should be removed. We will make sure that there are more beautiful lights."

The Lok Sabha MP's comments came as Ayodhya prepares to make history by lighting over 26 lakh diyas for Diwali celebrations. Officials stated that a record 26,11,101 lamps will illuminate Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats, showcasing Ayodhya's spiritual and cultural heritage. The lamp counting is based on their placement patterns, according to officials.

The BJP strongly condemned Yadav's remarks, with national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla saying, "Ayodhya was kept in darkness during the Samajwadi Party's rule in UP. The then Samajwadi Party government had opened fire on Ram devotees in the past. Now, when Ayodhya is shining, Akhilesh Yadav is having a problem. These people used to organise singing and dancing festivals in Saifai, but if Diwali is being celebrated in Ayodhya, Akhilesh Yadav is having a problem."

Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) national spokesperson, Vinod Bansal, accused Yadav of prioritizing foreign traditions over Indian culture.

"Just listen to this former Chief Minister of UP praising Christmas on the occasion of Diwali. The rows of diyas have burned his heart so much that he is preaching to 1 billion Hindus, saying, 'Don't waste money on diyas and candles, learn from Christmas'. The so-called messiah of jihadis and conversion gangs, who calls himself a Yadav, seems to love Christians more than Hindus. He glorifies foreign festivals more than Indian ones," Bansal stated.

"Even when Christianity didn't exist, Diwali was celebrated. Today, on Diwali, he is lecturing about Christmas. Christmas will come in two months. He doesn't even know which festival is going on. When will Akhilesh Yadav get rid of his anti-Sanatana mindset? Such jealousy over Ayodhya's radiance and the happiness of Hindus is not right," he added.