Diwali celebrations at Shri Kalki Dham in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, took on a sharp political hue on 9 November 2026, as Acharya Pramod Krishnam, the head priest of the shrine, arranged 1,008 earthen lamps (diyas) to spell out the message 'Modi Kahin Nahi Jayenge' — meaning 'Modi is going nowhere' — in a pointed message aimed at the Prime Minister's political opponents.

The Display at Kalki Dham

The illuminated slogan was laid out at the foundation stone site of Shri Kalki Dham, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Diwali. The choice of 1,008 diyas carried symbolic weight, as the number holds religious significance in Hindu tradition. Krishnam said the display was a declaration of his confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's continued leadership. He also issued a warning to those he accused of attempting to target the Prime Minister politically, saying, 'Mitane wale khud mit jayenge' — 'Those trying to erase him will themselves be erased.'

Attack on Congress Leadership

Speaking to reporters at the event, Krishnam launched a direct attack on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi and his late father. His remarks came amid the ongoing political confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress, with leaders from both sides trading allegations.

Krishnam also criticised Kharge over a Diwali greeting in which the Congress chief reportedly described the festival as 'khushiyon ka ek Eid' (an Eid of happiness). 'I feel sorry for Mallikarjun Kharge after seeing his condition. He has become a pity. He is himself troubled and wants to step down as Congress president. However, Rahul Gandhi likes people who serve him rather than leaders, and that is why Kharge is not being allowed to step down,' Krishnam said.

Invoking Sanatan Dharma

Krishnam invoked Sanatan Dharma in his remarks, drawing a parallel between its eternal nature and what he described as Modi's enduring political presence. 'Just as Sanatan Dharma is eternal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also eternal. Why is he eternal? Because he has dedicated his life to the nation and religion. The Opposition says it will erase Prime Minister Modi. It says Modi will go, and even Modi's father will go. I want to tell Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi that Modi's name is not written on sand that it can simply be erased,' he said.

Remarks on Akhilesh Yadav and Mathura

Separately, Krishnam commented on Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's reported desire to visit Ayodhya. While welcoming the intent, he urged Yadav to first visit Mathura's Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi. 'Akhilesh Yadav has realised that there can be no welfare without Lord Ram. He wants to visit Ayodhya to atone for his sins; let him go. Lord Ram belongs to everyone. However, Akhilesh Yadav should also visit Mathura and support the commencement of construction work on the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple. Before visiting Ayodhya, he should go to Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, offer prayers and acknowledge that this is Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi and that there is a temple here,' he said.

Significance and Context

This is not the first time the Kalki Dham foundation site in Sambhal has served as a backdrop for politically charged messaging. Notably, the blending of a major Hindu festival with overt political declarations reflects a broader pattern of religious venues being used to amplify political signals ahead of state-level electoral cycles. The event drew considerable attention, with the illuminated slogan at Kalki Dham becoming the centrepiece of the evening's proceedings.