Politics
BJP Criticizes Congress Chief for Comparing Diwali to Eid
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for describing Diwali as a "khushiyon ka Eid" (Eid of happiness). Kharge made the remarks while speaking to reporters ahead of Diwali on Saturday. He said, "I extend my best wishes to everyone for Diwali. This is a major festival celebrated across the country. The reason behind this is that this is ‘khushiyon ka Eid’ (Eid of happiness). This is the ‘Eid’ which goes on for a long time. This is a festival of joy. I would like to convey my greetings," and added a call for national unity.
In response, BJP leaders accused the Congress of using vote‑bank politics on a Hindu festival. BJP national media co‑incharge Pradeep Bhandari said the Congress has an "anti‑Sanatan, anti‑Hindu" policy. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia questioned why Kharge would refer to Diwali by a different name, stating that Eid and Diwali have distinct significance and traditions. BJP Goa spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia also demanded that the party respect Hindu faith, arguing that Diwali should remain Diwali.
BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha compared the Congress to a "Maowadi Muslim League Congress" (MMC), noting that Muslims celebrate Eid only twice a year, while the Congress allegedly wants to rebrand every Hindu festival as a "khushiyon ki Eid".
Senior Congress leader Rashid Alvi defended Kharge’s comment, saying that Eid is commonly used as a metaphor for happiness in Indian culture and that the remark reflects a secular mindset. Alvi added that both Eid and Diwali are festivals of celebration and joy, and that Eid celebrations do not lead to a rise in the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Frequently asked questions
Which party criticized Mallikarjun Kharge for his Diwali remarks?
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized him.
What did Mallikarjun Kharge say about Diwali?
He described Diwali as a "khushiyon ka Eid" (Eid of happiness), called it a major festival celebrated across the country, a festival of joy, and urged national unity.
Who defended Kharge's comment and what was their reasoning?
Senior Congress leader Rashid Alvi defended the comment, saying Eid is used as a metaphor for happiness in Indian culture, both festivals are celebrations of joy, and Eid celebrations do not raise the Air Quality Index.