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In a provocative statement that has ignited a fierce political and cultural debate just days before Diwali, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav urged Hindus to emulate global Christmas illuminations rather than spending on traditional lamps and candles. 

The comments, made during a public address, have drawn scathing backlash from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), which accused Yadav of undermining Indian traditions in favour of foreign festivals.

The controversy erupted as India gears up for Diwali on October 20, a time when homes, temples, and cities across the country are adorned with rows of earthen diyas (lamps) symbolising the victory of light over darkness. Yadav's remarks, invoking Lord Ram's name, have been interpreted by critics as an insult to age-old Hindu rituals, fuelling accusations of cultural insensitivity and political opportunism.

 

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Speaking at a gathering on Friday, Akhilesh Yadav drew direct parallels between Diwali and Christmas, advocating for a more extravagant, long-lasting illumination inspired by Western practices. His words have since gone viral, amplifying divisions ahead of the festival.

While addressing a gathering, Yadav said, “I don’t want to give a suggestion. But 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? What can we expect from this government; it should be removed. We will make sure that there are more beautiful lights.”

Yadav's critique extended to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, implying it fails to facilitate grander celebrations. He positioned his PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) alliance as the solution, promising enhanced lighting displays under future SP rule. The reference to Lord Ram, central to Ayodhya's Ram Temple and Diwali lore, added a layer of religious sensitivity to his suggestion, resonating deeply with his audience while provoking outrage elsewhere.

 

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The VHP, a prominent Hindu nationalist organisation affiliated with the RSS, wasted no time in condemning Yadav's statement. National spokesperson Vinod Bansal unleashed a blistering attack on X (formerly Twitter), labelling the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister as anti-Hindu and a promoter of foreign influences.

National spokesperson Vinod Bansal took to X to slam Yadav, saying, “Just listen: this former Chief Minister of UP is 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.’”

Bansal's post quickly garnered thousands of reactions, with supporters sharing images of glowing diya rows from Ayodhya and other Diwali hotspots. He portrayed Yadav's words as an assault on the economic and cultural contributions of traditional artisans, particularly potters who craft the clay lamps.

 

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Escalating his criticism, Bansal accused Yadav of prioritising Christian festivals and enabling religious conversions, tying the remarks to broader allegations against the SP's governance record.

Bansal accused Yadav of glorifying foreign traditions over Indian culture. “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 indigenous ones,” he said.

Highlighting the historical precedence of Diwali, Bansal emphasised its ancient roots predating Christianity. He further lambasted Yadav for fostering an environment conducive to "illegal religious conversions" during his tenure as UP Chief Minister from 2012-2017.

He further added, “When Christianity didn’t even exist, Diwali was already being celebrated with rituals and traditions. Now, Hindu society is being told to learn from Christians! On the sacred land of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, illegal religious conversions have flourished under the protection of such leaders who filled their cabinets with criminals and extremists.”

Bansal's rhetoric invoked iconic Hindu figures and sites, contrasting the sanctity of Ayodhya—recently revitalised with the Ram Temple inauguration—with what he called Yadav's "hypocrisy."

In a particularly personal and satirical jab, Bansal mocked Yadav with the nickname "Tipu," a reference to Tipu Sultan often used derisively by Hindu groups, and rechristened the Samajwadi Party as the "Asamajwadi Party" (anti-social party). He tied Yadav's comments to envy over Ayodhya's grand Diwali preparations, which include massive lamp-lighting events drawing global attention.

He went on to add, “For him, the foreign festival of Christmas, which is still two months away, seems to have already arrived. But the Diwali that is just two days away — and the diyas made by our potter brothers — seems to bother the PDA’s hypocrites. Have some shame, Tipu! This jealousy over the brightness of Ayodhya and the happiness of Hindus is not right. Maybe that’s why people don’t call their party Samajwadi Party but Asamajwadi Party (anti-social party)!”

The post ended with a call to action, urging Hindus to celebrate Diwali with even greater fervour using traditional diyas, directly countering Yadav's suggestion.

 

Also Read: Akhilesh Yadav says govt must not interfere in Waqf

 

The exchange has polarised social media and political circles, with BJP leaders echoing VHP's sentiments and SP supporters defending Yadav as a progressive voice promoting inclusive celebrations. As Diwali approaches, the controversy underscores deepening fault lines between secular and nationalist interpretations of cultural festivals.

Yadav has not yet responded to the VHP's attacks, but SP insiders indicate he stands by his remarks, viewing them as a call for modernisation without diluting traditions. Meanwhile, Ayodhya's Diwali preparations—featuring over 2 million diyas along the Saryu River—proceed unabated, symbolising resilience amid the uproar.

This clash highlights the high stakes of festival politics in India, where Diwali's $15 billion economic impact intertwines with identity, economy, and electoral narratives. With polls looming in key states, Yadav's words may rally his base while alienating Hindu voters, setting the tone for a contentious holiday season.

 

Also Read: Law and order in UP has gone for a toss, says Akhilesh Yadav