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New Delhi, October 19 (IANS) Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has created a major political controversy by questioning the need to spend huge sums on lighting lamps and candles during Diwali.
His remarks have drawn sharp reaction from several BJP leaders, who have accused him of “insulting Hindu traditions” and “showing contempt for Indian culture”.
Speaking on Saturday, Yadav said, “Around the world, cities get beautifully illuminated during Christmas, and these festive lights can last for months. We should take inspiration from this. Why do we need to spend money on lamps and candles and think too much about the process? We should rethink what to expect from the government; perhaps this should be changed. We will ensure that there are more amazing lights in the future.”
The statement sparked outrage within the BJP, with many leaders criticizing Yadav for his “disrespectful” attitude towards Diwali and Sanatan traditions.
BJP national spokesperson and MP Sudhanshu Trivedi told reporters, “The entire country is celebrating Diwali with joy and happiness, especially after the GST cut. Despite this, Akhilesh Yadav’s statement that he sees a problem in Diwali lamps is highly condemnable.”
“This comes from the same mentality that the Indian faction calls for the abolition of Sanatan Dharma, or the same ideology that Rahul Gandhi follows when he says, ‘Hinduism is powerful, and I have to fight it.’ This shows their dislike for Indian culture and Hinduism.”
Trivedi further said that the SP chief has forgotten about the Prajapati community, who make the lamps, adding that these lamps are “not just earthen pots – they represent the light of prosperity in their lives.”
He said, “Why do you (Akhilesh Yadav) want to snatch this from them? It is clear that the mentality of the Indian camp is in darkness, and in the light of Diwali lamps it is visible how much they hate Indian culture and Hindu traditions.”
Union Minister Giriraj Singh also reacted strongly, telling IANS, “If there is so much concern about spending on lamps, then why do we sacrifice goats on Bakrid, where so much blood is shed? Some people offer namaz for votes; now they can even wear a cross around the neck. India’s identity is rooted in Sanatan traditions. Sanatan is the pride of India.”
Speaking to IANS, Maharashtra BJP MLA Ram Kadam said that from the “land of divinity” – Kashi and Ayodhya – where he has also served as chief minister, Akhilesh Yadav should know the spiritual significance of lighting lamps in Sanatan Dharma.
“Lighting lamps has a deep meaning in our tradition. Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after 14 years and that is why Diwali is celebrated. He is the son of Mulayam Singh, who ordered the killing of several kar sevaks who chanted the name of Lord Ram,” he said.
Taking a dig at Yadav, BJP national spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that those who are detached from people’s support and unaware of public sentiments will soon realize the truth.
He said, “Every festival in India has its own importance. It is not right to combine and compare festivals of different religions in this way.”
Speaking to IANS, BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh said, “Those who opened fire on unarmed Ram devotees during the Kar Sevak movement for vote bank politics are now trying to preach in the name of Lord Ram. During the rule of Akhilesh Yadav’s anti-Sanatani government, Uttar Pradesh turned into an anarchic jungle raj.”
BJP MP Ghulam Ali Khatana also said the party chief should “speak responsibly” on matters of culture and tradition.
“Such statements are not acceptable. Our culture, traditions and values are deeply linked to the livelihood of thousands of poor people who depend on Diwali celebrations,” he told IANS.
Madhya Pradesh minister Vishwas Sarang also attacked the SP chief, saying, “Akhilesh Yadav, that’s why people call you Maulana Akhilesh Yadav. It was not expected that you would go to this extent against Sanatan and Hindu traditions. You have always insulted Hindu deities, saints and Sanatan culture, but now you are also trying to conduct namaz on Diwali.”
–IANS
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