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Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday sparked controversy by questioning the government’s spending on Diwali celebrations. He remarked that India should take inspiration from how cities across the world celebrate Christmas and added that if the SP came to power, it would ensure “more beautiful lights” than diyas during Diwali.

Speaking at a press conference in Lucknow on Saturday, Yadav said, "I don't want to give a suggestion. But I will give one suggestion on the name of Lord Ram. In the entire world, all the 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? What can we expect from this government; it should be removed. We will make sure that there are more beautiful lights"

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The Samajwadi Party chief’s remarks came as Ayodhya prepares to make history by lighting over 26 lakh diyas for Diwali. Officials stated that a record 26,11,101 lamps will adorn Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats, showcasing the city’s spiritual and cultural splendor. The lamp count is being determined according to the specific placement patterns, they added.

BJP Slam Back Yadav On Diwali Comment 

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back at Akhilesh Yadav’s remarks, asserting that Ayodhya had been “kept in darkness” during the Samajwadi Party’s tenure.

"Ayodhya was kept in darkness during the Samajwadi Party's rule in UP. The then Samajwadi Party government had opened fire on Ram devotees in the past. Now, when Ayodhya is shining, Akhilesh Yadav is having a problem. These people used to organise singing and dancing festivals in Saifai, but if Diwali is being celebrated in Ayodhya, Akhilesh Yadav is having a problem," BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said.

BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia also targeted Yadav, questioning how the light of Diwali could resonate with those who celebrate Christmas in December. In a post on X, he remarked that while Ayodhya is “sparkling,” the hearts of some remain “burning,” taking a clear jab at Yadav.

"When Lord Shri Ram returned to Ayodhya, lamps were lit as a symbol of truth’s victory. Today, these lamps, as the light of faith for millions of Ram devotees, are dispelling darkness," he posted.  

Vinod Bansal, national spokesperson of the Hindu outfit Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), accused the Samajwadi Party chief of prioritizing foreign traditions over Indian culture.

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"Just listen to this former Chief Minister of UP praising Christmas on the occasion of Diwali. The rows of diyas have burned his heart so much that he is preaching to 1 billion Hindus, saying, 'Don't waste money on diyas and candles, learn from Christmas'. The so-called messiah of jihadis and conversion gangs, who calls himself a Yadav, seems to love Christians more than Hindus. He glorifies foreign festivals more than Indian ones," Bansal said.

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