BJP Labels Akhilesh Yadav "Enemy of Sanatanis" Over Controversial Diwali Expenditure Remarks

Akhilesh Yadav Enemy Of Sanatanis: BJP On Remarks Over Diwali Expenses

Giriraj Singh and Akhilesh Yadav.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday labeled Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav as an "enemy of sanatanis", responding to Yadav's controversial statements regarding the lighting of diyas during Ayodhya's annual Deepotsav celebration.

"He is an enemy of sanatanis and Hindus. He has a problem with Diwali but not with Christmas," Singh declared.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader's condemnation followed Yadav's questioning of the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government's expenditure on diyas and candles for Deepotsav. Yadav had suggested that the administration should learn from global Christmas illumination practices.

"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 on Saturday.

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

The BJP has since strongly criticized Yadav, claiming he has become blinded by his pursuit of votes from "fundamentalists" to the point of speaking against his own community.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sudhansu Trivedi said on Sunday: "Akhilesh Yadav has become so blinded by the love of votes of fundamentalists that he has now started speaking against his own Yadav community and also wants to snatch away the prosperity of the Prajapati community."

Trivedi further stated that the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's comments reflect the opposition INDIA bloc's mindset and "hatred" for Indian culture, Hindu dharma, and the Prajapati community who manufacture diyas.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya urged Yadav to "stop insulting the Hindu faith for the sake of appeasement and vote bank politics".

"In Indian culture, lighting lamps is a centuries-old tradition, symbolising light, harmony, faith, and devotion. You have committed the despicable act of snatching the employment of the Prajapati community, who sell Diwali lamps," Maurya stated.

This year's Deepotsav in Ayodhya on Sunday set two new world records. According to the state government, 26.17 lakh diyas were lit at a single location while 2,128 people simultaneously performed 'aarti' as part of the grand celebrations in the temple town.