News Brief
SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav’s Remarks On Diyas Draw Sharp Criticism Ahead Of Ayodhya Deepotsav
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav sparked a political controversy after questioning the government's spending on diyas and candles during Diwali celebrations.
Speaking on Saturday (18 October), Yadav observed that cities worldwide become beautifully illuminated during Christmas, with festive lighting lasting for months.
He asked why money needed to be spent on diyas and candles, suggesting the government should be reconsidered and promised more stunning lights in future.
The Bharatiya Janata Party hit out at the Samajwadi Party chief, calling his statement 'shocking' and 'insensitive' towards Hindu traditions.
BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya described the remarks as showing insensitivity towards festivals.
He stated that calling traditional diyas and candles a 'waste of money' was not only inappropriate but also an insult to the Hindu faith.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal lashed out at the opposition leader, saying the enthusiasm and joy this year seemed to hurt the mindset of people who oppose Sanatan traditions.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad also accused Yadav of glorifying foreign culture, with spokesperson Vinod Bansal calling him a 'messiah of jihadis and conversion gangs'.
The backlash comes as Ayodhya prepares for the grand 9th edition of Deepotsav, which began on 17 October, with celebrations peaking tomorrow (20 October) through the lighting of 26,11,101 diyas across 56 ghats along the Saryu River.
Deepotsav 2025 is showcasing an extraordinary scale of participation with over 26 lakh diyas, 2,100 Vedic scholars, 1,100 drones, and 33,000 volunteers.
