New Delhi. Taking a dig at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that those who once mocked faith and painted the streets of Ayodhya with the blood of Ram devotees and kar sevaks are now troubled by the brightness of more than 26 lakh lamps.
CM Yogi further said that these lamps made by the local Prajapati and Kumhar communities are not only symbols of devotion but also provide livelihood opportunities, which Ram-haters are unable to accept. Actually, CM Yogi was speaking at the coronation ceremony of Lord Ram organized at Ramkatha Park, where he also honored the revered saints associated with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement.
His comments come a day after Akhilesh Yadav sparked a major political controversy by questioning the need to spend huge sums on lighting lamps and candles during Diwali.
Yadav’s remarks have drawn sharp reaction from several BJP leaders, who have accused him of insulting Hindu traditions and showing contempt for Indian culture.
Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday had said that across the world, cities are beautifully lit up during Christmas and this festive lighting lasts for months. We should take inspiration from this. Why do we need to spend money on lamps and candles and think too much about the process? We must rethink what to expect from government; Maybe this should be changed. We’ll make sure there are more spectacular lights in the future.
This statement sparked outrage in the BJP and many leaders strongly criticized Yadav, saying it was a disrespectful attitude towards Diwali and Sanatan traditions.
BJP national spokesperson and MP Sudhanshu Trivedi told reporters, “The entire country is celebrating the festival of Diwali with great enthusiasm, especially after the GST cut. Despite this, Akhilesh Yadav’s statement that he sees a problem in Diwali lamps is highly condemnable.”
Similarly, several leaders in the BJP camp have now jumped into the controversy to target the former CM and the issue is likely to intensify as Bihar elections approach.
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