Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has ignited a political firestorm just before Diwali with controversial remarks that drew parallels between the Hindu festival and Christmas. Yadav questioned the traditional expenditure on lamps and candles for Diwali, suggesting a shift towards more modern, illuminated displays inspired by Christmas celebrations. This stance has triggered a swift and strong backlash from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, who accuse him of disrespecting Indian traditions and favoring foreign customs.
During a public address, Yadav reportedly stated, “Why do we have to spend money on lamps and candles and put so much thought into it? What can we expect from this government? It should be removed. We will make sure that there are more beautiful lights.” He also advised learning from global Christmas illuminations, which he noted last for months.
BJP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal vehemently criticized Yadav’s comments on social media. He accused the Samajwadi Party leader of praising Christmas during the Diwali season and suggested that the sight of traditional diyas (earthen lamps) had deeply troubled him. Bansal further alleged that Yadav, whom he controversially labeled a ‘so-called messiah of jihadis and conversion gangs,’ exhibits a pattern of glorifying foreign festivals over indigenous Indian culture. He pointed out that Diwali has ancient roots, predating Christianity, yet Hindu society is being advised to learn from Christian customs.
Bansal extended his criticism to governance, claiming that illegal religious conversions flourished under leaders like Yadav, who allegedly included criminals and extremists in their cabinets. He accused Yadav of being disturbed by the burgeoning celebrations in Ayodhya, implying that Christmas, still two months away, seemed to have arrived early for him, while the upcoming Diwali and the diyas made by local potters caused distress.
Further escalating the attack, Madhya Pradesh minister Vishwas Sarang suggested Yadav might be better known as ‘Antony’ or ‘Akbar,’ given his perceived opposition to Diwali worship and lighting lamps. Sarang even questioned the Yadav family’s religious affiliations, proposing an inquiry and linking Yadav’s stance to a historical alleged firing on Ram devotees. He also criticized Yadav for belittling the efforts of the Prajapati (potter) community, whose handcrafted diyas illuminate homes during Diwali, calling it an insult to these traditional artisans.