Deepotsav Divides: Akhilesh Yadav's 'Diya' Remark Ignites Fierce BJP Backlash Over Ayodhya Festivities

A political earthquake rumbled through Uttar Pradesh as Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav ignited a fresh controversy, questioning the substantial expenditure on Ayodhya's grand Deepotsav celebrations. His pointed query – "Why spend money on 'diyas' when the youth need jobs?" – delivered amidst an election rally in Madhya Pradesh, immediately drew the wrath of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), setting off a fierce war of words that underscores the deep ideological divide in Indian politics.

Yadav's remarks struck at the heart of a celebration that has become a hallmark of the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh.

Ayodhya's Deepotsav, an annual spectacle of lighting millions of earthen lamps along the Sarayu River, has repeatedly shattered Guinness World Records, transforming the holy city into a beacon of cultural pride and spiritual fervor. For the BJP, it's not merely a festival but a powerful statement of cultural reclamation and a major tourism driver for the state.

The BJP wasted no time in launching a blistering counter-attack.

State BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi unequivocally condemned Yadav's statements, branding them as "anti-Hindu." Tripathi accused the SP leader of habitually targeting Hindu festivals and traditions, recalling past controversies such as alleged police firing on Karsevaks in Ayodhya during the SP's tenure and attempts to halt the Kanwar Yatra.

"This is not the first time Akhilesh Yadav has made such a statement. They have always opposed Hindu traditions," Tripathi asserted, challenging Yadav's secular credentials and suggesting his party's politics are rooted in appeasement.

Adding to the chorus of condemnation, another BJP spokesperson, Harish Srivastava, slammed Yadav's remarks as a reflection of his party's "anti-religious" and "anti-Sanatan" mindset.

Srivastava highlighted the economic benefits generated by events like Deepotsav, pointing to job creation for artisans, vendors, and service providers. He questioned whether Yadav would similarly critique expenditure on other religious festivals, accusing him of selectively targeting Hindu celebrations for political mileage.

The Deepotsav, beyond its religious significance, has indeed become a significant economic and cultural event for Uttar Pradesh.

It attracts millions of tourists, boosts local economies, and showcases the state's rich heritage on a global stage. The government views it as a crucial component of its broader strategy to develop Ayodhya as a global spiritual and tourism hub, especially with the imminent inauguration of the Ram Temple.

This latest political skirmish is more than just a debate about spending priorities; it's a battleground for narratives.

For the BJP, questioning Deepotsav is akin to disrespecting Hindu faith and cultural heritage. For the Samajwadi Party, it's an attempt to pivot the conversation towards pressing socio-economic issues like unemployment and inflation, suggesting that public funds could be better utilized for direct welfare schemes rather than elaborate cultural displays.

As India gears up for crucial elections, this clash over tradition, development, and identity promises to remain a potent and polarizing topic in the political discourse.