Akhilesh Yadav's Christmas remark during Diwali celebrations sparks controversy
What's the story
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has sparked a political controversy with his remarks on government spending for Diwali celebrations. He compared the Indian festival to Christmas celebrations globally and said India should "learn" from them. "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," he said at a gathering.
Twitter Post
Yadav's remarks
#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
Celebration contrast
Ayodhya to light over 26 lakh diyas for Diwali
Yadav's remarks come as Ayodhya plans to light over 26 lakh diyas for Diwali. Officials said a record 26,11,101 lamps will light up Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats in the city. The BJP has slammed Yadav for his comments, accusing him of having a "problem when Ayodhya is shining." BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said under Samajwadi Party rule, Ayodhya was kept in darkness.
Culture clash
Yadav accused of glorifying foreign traditions
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) national spokesperson Vinod Bansal also slammed Yadav for his comments. He accused the former Chief Minister of glorifying foreign traditions over Indian culture. "Just listen to this former Chief Minister of UP praising Christmas on the occasion of Diwali," Bansal said, adding that even before Christianity existed, Diwali was celebrated.
Festival knowledge
VHP spokesperson says Yadav jealous of Hindu happiness
"When will Akhilesh Yadav get rid of his anti-Sanatana mindset? Such jealousy over Ayodhya's radiance and the happiness of Hindus is not right," Bansal said. He questioned Yadav's intent and said, "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!"