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Diwali Debate: Why Akhilesh Yadav's Diya Comments Spark Hindu Sentiment Outrage

The BJP has launched a fierce criticism against Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav for his remarks about Diwali diya lighting being a waste of money. Senior BJP leaders, including Amit Malviya, have strongly condemned the statement as insensitive and disrespectful to Hindu cultural traditions. The controversy highlights the ongoing political tension surrounding cultural and religious practices in India. The debate comes at a time when Ayodhya is preparing for a grand Deepotsav celebration with an unprecedented scale of diya lighting.

Key Points: BJP Slams Akhilesh Yadav Diwali Diya Remarks Hindu Tradition Controversy

  • BJP strongly condemns Akhilesh Yadav's controversial remarks about Diwali celebrations
  • Amit Malviya calls the statement an insult to Hindu faith
  • Political controversy erupts over cultural and festive traditions
  • Ayodhya prepares for massive Deepotsav celebration with 26 lakh diyas
3 min read

'Insult to Hindu faith': BJP slams Akhilesh Yadav for calling diya lighting waste of money

BJP leaders criticize Akhilesh Yadav for calling Diwali diya lighting a waste of money, calling it an insult to Hindu cultural traditions.

"Diyas and candles are part of our tradition, embodying the spirit and devotion of every household. - Amit Malviya, BJP IT Cell Chief"

New Delhi, Oct 19

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday hit out at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav for his remarks questioning the need to spend large sums on lighting diyas and candles during Diwali, calling his statement "shocking" and "insensitive" towards Hindu traditions.

A controversy erupted after Yadav said 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."

Reacting sharply, BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya took to X and said, "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."

"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 the Hindu faith," he said.

He added that instead of comparing festivals, Akhilesh Yadav should "respect India's diverse traditions -- this is true secularism".

Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also lashed out at the SP chief, saying, "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."

"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," he added.

The backlash comes as Ayodhya gears up for the grand culmination of its ninth edition of Deepotsav, which began on October 17. The celebrations will peak on Monday with the lighting of 26,11,101 diyas across 56 ghats along the Saryu River, setting a new record in the city's spiritual festivities.

Deepotsav 2025 is showcasing an extraordinary scale of participation -- 26 lakh diyas, 2,100 Vedic scholars, 1,100 drones, and 33,000 volunteers -- in a vibrant fusion of devotion, culture, and technology, reflecting Ayodhya's growing stature as a global symbol of faith and heritage.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I respect our traditions, I think Akhilesh has a point about sustainable celebrations. Maybe we can balance tradition with modern energy-efficient lighting? The essence of Diwali matters more than how many diyas we light.
A
Arjun K
The warmth of a diya can't be replaced by electric lights! It's not about money - it's about connecting with our roots. My family has been lighting diyas for generations and it brings us together in a way modern lights never could.
S
Sarah B
As someone who's celebrated Diwali with Indian friends, the diya lighting ceremony is the most beautiful part! The flickering flames create such a magical atmosphere. It would be sad to lose this tradition.
V
Vikram M
Both sides are politicizing this unnecessarily. Let people celebrate how they want - some prefer traditional diyas, others like decorative lights. The real spirit of Diwali is in sharing happiness, not in these arguments.
K
Karthik V
ॐ The diya represents knowledge overcoming ignorance. Calling it a waste shows lack of understanding of our philosophy. The 26 lakh diyas in Ayodhya show our collective faith, not waste! Jai Shri Ram! 🙏
M
Michael C
Living in Delhi for 5

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