On Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav for questioning the expenditure on lighting diyas and candles during Diwali. The BJP described his remarks as ‘disrespectful’ and ‘insensitive’ to Hindu cultural values.
The row began after Yadav commented on Saturday, “Throughout the world, cities become beautifully illuminated during Christmas, and this festive lighting can last for months. We should take inspiration from this. Why do we need to spend money on diyas and candles, and overthink the process? We should reconsider what to expect from the government; perhaps it should be changed. We will ensure that there are more stunning lights in the future.”
Taking to X, BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya responded, “Akhilesh Yadav’s statement is not only shocking but also shows insensitivity towards our festivals. Diwali is a symbol of our cultural and spiritual values — it is not just a festival of lights, but it conveys the message of the victory of light over darkness.”
Malviya went on to say, “Diyas and candles are part of our tradition, embodying the spirit and devotion of every household. Calling them a “waste of money” is not only inappropriate but also an insult to Hindu faith.”
“Instead of comparing festivals, Akhilesh Yadav should respect India’s diverse traditions — this is true secularism,” he urged.
अखिलेश यादव का यह बयान न सिर्फ़ चौंकाने वाला है बल्कि हमारे त्यौहारों के प्रति संवेदनहीनता भी दिखाता है।
सपा प्रमुख ने कहा —
“पूरी दुनिया में क्रिसमस पर शहर रोशनी से जगमगाते हैं, हमें उनसे सीखना चाहिए। दीए और मोमबत्तियों पर पैसा खर्च करने का क्या मतलब? सरकार को हटाना चाहिए, हम… pic.twitter.com/pitZZXhrxA
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) October 19, 2025
Khandelwal Joins the Attack
In an interview with IANS, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also attacked the SP leader, remarking, “At least ‘Maulana’ Akhilesh Yadav should not tell us how to celebrate Diwali. The enthusiasm and joy this year seem to hurt the mindset of people like him, who oppose Sanatan traditions.”
He continued, “Lighting diyas and firecrackers is part of India’s culture. Maulana Akhilesh Yadav doesn’t understand this, as he only cares about vote banks and has nothing to do with Indian civilisation. This is why the public rejects him every time.”
The political backlash coincides with preparations in Ayodhya for the grand finale of the ninth Deepotsav, which commenced on 17 October.
The celebration will reach its peak on Monday, with 26,11,101 diyas to be lit across 56 ghats along the Saryu River, setting a new milestone in the city’s festive history.
This year’s Deepotsav 2025 features a remarkable scale of participation, 26 lakh diyas, 2,100 Vedic scholars, 1,100 drones, and 33,000 volunteers, blending devotion, heritage, and technology in a grand display that highlights Ayodhya’s emergence as a global centre of faith and culture.
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