Daijiworld Media Network - Ayodhya

Ayodhya, Oct 20: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav came under fire from Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday, who termed him an “enemy of sanatanis” following his controversial comments on lighting diyas during the annual Ayodhya Deepotsav.

“He is an enemy of sanatanis and Hindus. He has a problem with Diwali but not with Christmas,” Singh said.

Yadav had earlier questioned the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government’s expenditure on lamps and candles during the Deepotsav celebrations, suggesting the state should take inspiration from global Christmas illuminations. “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?” he had said on Saturday.

The BJP has sharply criticised Yadav, alleging that his remarks show a growing disconnect with his own community. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sudhansu Trivedi said, “Akhilesh Yadav has become so blinded by the love of votes of fundamentalists that he has now started speaking against his own Yadav community and also wants to snatch away the prosperity of the Prajapati community.”

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also hit out at Yadav, urging him to “stop insulting the Hindu faith for the sake of appeasement and vote bank politics.” He added, “In Indian culture, lighting lamps is a centuries-old tradition, symbolising light, harmony, faith, and devotion. You have committed the despicable act of snatching the employment of the Prajapati community, who sell Diwali lamps.”

Amid the controversy, the Deepotsav celebrations continued in grand style. The state government reported that two new world records were set: 26.17 lakh diyas were lit at the same location, and 2,128 people performed ‘aarti’ together, marking a historic moment in Ayodhya’s temple town.