Akhilesh Yadav questioned spending on diyas for Diwali, suggesting India adopt Christmas-style lights. (Photo: ANI)
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has found himself at the centre of a political storm after questioning the government’s expenditure on Diwali festivities and suggesting that India should take inspiration from Christmas celebrations across the world.
Speaking at a public gathering on Saturday, Yadav said, “I will give one suggestion in the name of Lord Ram. Across the world, all cities get illuminated during Christmas, and that goes on for months. We should learn from them. Why do we have to spend money on lamps and candles and put so much thought into it?”
The former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister further claimed that if the SP returned to power, his government would ensure “more beautiful lights” than diyas during Diwali celebrations.
His comments immediately drew criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), who accused him of belittling traditional Hindu practices.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla hit back, alleging that Ayodhya was “kept in darkness” during the Samajwadi Party’s tenure. “The SP government had once opened fire on Ram devotees. Now that Ayodhya is shining with lights, Akhilesh Yadav has a problem. These people used to organise singing and dancing events in Saifai, but can’t tolerate Diwali in Ayodhya,” he said.
The remarks come as Ayodhya prepares to create history by lighting over 28 lakh diyas for the ninth edition of the grand Deepotsav celebration. Volunteers from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University began setting up diyas along Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats, aiming to highlight Ayodhya’s spiritual grandeur.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Vinod Bansal also condemned Yadav’s statement, calling it proof of an “anti-Sanatana mindset.” “The Kumhar community, which makes diyas, is proud of their tradition and wants to illuminate the world with their lamps. Akhilesh Yadav should go celebrate Christmas in Vatican City; maybe he’ll get a few voters there,” Bansal said.
He further added, “Even before Christianity existed, Diwali was celebrated. Today, on the festival of Diwali, he is lecturing us about Christmas, which comes two months later.”
The controversy comes at a time when Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, is under the national spotlight following the inauguration of the Ram Temple and the government’s efforts to promote the city as a spiritual and cultural tourism hub.
Akhilesh Yadav’s comments, made on the eve of Deepotsav, have not only reignited political rivalry between the SP and BJP but also stirred a wider debate on cultural symbolism, traditional practices, and the politics of festivals in India.
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Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
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