New Delhi, Oct 19 (NationPress) The leader of the Samajwadi Party (SP), Akhilesh Yadav, has ignited a significant political uproar with his remarks challenging the necessity of spending substantial amounts on illuminating diyas and candles during the festival of Diwali.

His comments have provoked strong backlash from numerous BJP officials, who have accused him of disparaging Hindu traditions and dismissing Indian culture.

During his address on Saturday, Yadav remarked, "Across the globe, cities are adorned with splendid lights during Christmas, and this celebratory illumination can extend for months. We ought to draw inspiration from this. Why should we allocate funds for diyas and candles and complicate the process? We should reflect on what we anticipate from the government; perhaps it deserves to be transformed. We are committed to ensuring that future lighting is even more magnificent."

This statement incited indignation within the BJP, with several leaders denouncing Yadav for what they labeled a disrespectful stance towards Diwali and Sanatan traditions.

BJP national spokesperson and MP Sudhanshu Trivedi expressed to reporters, "The entire country is celebrating Diwali with joy and enthusiasm, particularly following the reduction in GST. Nevertheless, Akhilesh Yadav's assertion that he perceives an issue with Diwali lamps is utterly condemnable."

"This attitude stems from the same mindset that the INDIA bloc advocates for the dissolution of Sanatan Dharma, or the very ideology that Rahul Gandhi endorses when he proclaims, 'Hinduism is powerful, and I must combat it.' This reveals their aversion to Indian culture and the radiance of Hinduism," he stated.

Trivedi further noted that the SP chief has overlooked the Prajapati community, which produces lamps, emphasizing that these diyas are not merely clay pots — they symbolize the light of prosperity in their lives.

"Why do you (Akhilesh Yadav) wish to deprive them of this? It is evident that the mindset of the INDIA bloc resides in darkness, and in the light of Diwali lamps, their disdain for Indian culture and Hindu traditions becomes apparent," he added.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh also reacted vehemently, stating to IANS, "If there is such concern about expenditures on diyas, then why do we sacrifice goats on Bakrid, where so much blood is shed? Some individuals perform Namaz for votes; they can also wear crosses around their necks. India's identity is anchored in Sanatan traditions. Sanatan is India's pride."

Maharashtra BJP MLA Ram Kadam remarked, speaking to IANS, that coming from the land of divinity — Kashi and Ayodhya, where he has also served as Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav should appreciate the spiritual importance of lighting lamps within Sanatan Dharma.

"Illuminating diyas carries profound significance in our traditions. Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after 14 years, which is why Diwali is observed. He is the son of Mulayam Singh, who ordered the execution of several Kar Sevaks chanting Lord Ram's name," he added.

Taking a jab at Yadav, BJP national spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi stated that those "detached from public support and unaware of the sentiments of the populace will soon recognize the reality."

"Each festival in India possesses its own significance. Equating festivals of diverse religions and making such comparisons is inappropriate," he remarked.

In a discussion with IANS, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh added, "Those who fired upon unarmed Ram devotees during the Kar Sevak movement for vote-bank politics are now attempting to preach in the name of Lord Ram. Under the governance of Akhilesh Yadav's anti-Sanatani regime, Uttar Pradesh devolved into a lawless jungle raj."

BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana emphasized that a party leader should speak responsibly regarding matters of culture and tradition.

"Such statements are intolerable. Our culture, traditions, and values are intricately connected to the livelihoods of thousands of impoverished individuals who depend on Diwali festivities," he asserted to IANS.

Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishvas Sarang also criticized the SP chief, stating, "Akhilesh Yadav, this is why you are labeled as Maulana Akhilesh Yadav. It was unexpected that you would stoop so low against Sanatan and Hindu traditions. You have consistently disrespected Hindu deities, saints, and Sanatan culture, but now you are even attempting to conduct Namaz on Diwali."