'Why Spend On Diyas?': Akhilesh Yadav's Deepotsav Remark Sparks Controversy; BJP Hits Back At SP Chief

Akhilesh Yadav's Controversial Remark: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has landed himself in a fresh controversy on Saturday after his remark on Diwali celebration and comparison with Christmas celebrations across the world. In his statement, Akhilesh Yadav also questioned Yogi Adityanath government in connection with the expenditure on candles and diyas for deepotsav celebrations.

While speaking at a press conference in Lucknow on Saturday, Akhilesh Yadav, stated that India should 'learn' from cities across the globe how they celebrate Christmas. Talking to news agency, ANI, Akhilesh Yadav said, "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."

#WATCH | Lucknow | SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav says, "... I dont 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… pic.twitter.com/HAL47migCC

— ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2025

He continued to add, "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." 

BJP hits back at Akhilesh Yadav

It is to be noted that Akhilesh Yadav's cotroversial statement received backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Reacting to Akhilesh Yadav's comment, BJP party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said that Ayodhya was kept in dark during SP's rule in UP. He said, "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." 

Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Takes a dig at SP Chief 

Meanwhile, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) targeted Akhilesh Yadav and blamed him of glorifying foreign culture. Taking to X, the VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal tagged Akhilesh Yadav a "messiah of jihadis and conversion gangs." In his X post, he wrote, "Today, on Diwali, he is lecturing about Christmas. Christmas will come in two months," he said. "He doesn't even know which festival is going on. When will Akhilesh Yadav get rid of his anti-Sanatana mindset?"