Politics refused to take a break as parties indulged in heated exchange over diyas and celebrations in Ayodhya
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav sparked controversy after questioning the government’s repeated spending on diyas and candles during Diwali. In what appeared to be a veiled criticism of the Uttar Pradesh government’s grand Deepotsav celebrations, Yadav compared them to Christmas festivities abroad.
In comments seen as a dig at the Yogi Adityanath led-BJP government, Yadav was quoted as saying, “I don’t want to offer suggestions, but in the name of Lord Ram, I will say that during Christmas, cities around the world remain lit for months. We should learn from that.” He added, “Why is there repeated spending on diyas and candles? What can we expect from such a government? They should be removed. We will make sure the lights are even more beautiful.”
According to observers, Akhilesh’s comments were not random—they were a calculated political move to challenge BJP’s religious branding, targeting the saffron party on governance and development ahead of high-stakes Bihar elections. “ Yadav’s party traditionally relies on a Muslim-Yadav vote bank. With the BJP aggressively pushing a Hindu nationalist narrative, Akhilesh’s criticism of extravagant Diwali celebrations and questioning the use of public funds can be seen as a signal to Muslim voters, many of whom may be feeling alienated or sidelined by state-sponsored Hindu religious events like the Deepotsav,” they added.
The remarks triggered sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who accused Yadav of disrespecting Hindu traditions and undermining a centuries-old cultural practice. In Ayodhya to inaugurate the ninth edition of Deepotsav, Adityanath used the platform to target the opposition. “This is the same Ayodhya where bullets were once fired at Ram bhakts. Today, we are lighting lamps at those very spots,” he said. He also accused opposition parties of rejecting invitations to attend the consecration of the Ram Mandir scheduled for January 2024.
Adityanath alleged the Congress once called Lord Ram a myth and that the Samajwadi Party opened fire on devotees during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. “The same people who bow at Babar’s grave refuse to attend the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram,” he said.
The BJP said the event is not just about religion, but a display of India’s cultural pride. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said lighting diyas with ghee reflects the prosperity of ancient India. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya accused Yadav of hurting the livelihood of the Prajapati community, who traditionally make Diwali lamps, and demanded an apology.
Congress leader Rashid Alvi criticized the use of public funds for religious events, arguing that India remains a secular country. “No government can use public money for religious purposes. The Constitution doesn’t allow it,” he was quoted as saying.
According to the state government over 26 lakh diyas were lit across ghats in Ayodhya, creating a visual spectacle aimed at setting a world record. The celebrations included traditional rituals, cultural performances, and a fireworks display, reinforcing the state’s focus on religious tourism and heritage branding.
