BJP escalates row over Kharge's 'Diwali as Eid' remark
BJP leaders have intensified criticism of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for describing Diwali as 'khushiyon ka Eid', accusing the opposition of diluting Hindu identity for vote-bank politics.
Senior BJP leaders have questioned the appropriateness of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge labelling Diwali as 'khushiyon ka Eid', stressing the distinct sanctity of the Hindu festival. The controversy erupted after Kharge extended Deepavali wishes over the weekend using that description. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia led the charge, questioning why Kharge had a problem calling the festival by its own name. Bhatia stressed that Eid had its own significance while Diwali had its own sanctity, traditions and identity.
Counter-claims from the BJP rank and file
Spokespersons have accused the Congress of diluting Hindu identity and indulging in vote-bank politics during a major religious occasion. BJP MP Tarun Chugh said the remark has hurt the sentiments of crores of Sanatanis. He alleged the party was hesitant to acknowledge the identity of Hindu festivals due to vote-bank politics. Chugh added that Diwali is associated with the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya and accused Congress of insulting Indian culture.
BJP's national media co-incharge Pradeep Bhandari called the Congress an anti-Sanatani party. He accused the party of thinking about appeasement and vote-bank politics even during Diwali. Bhandari referred to Sonia Gandhi crying for Babri in reference to the Babri Masjid dispute. He framed Kharge's remark as evidence of what he described as the party's anti-Sanatani mindset.
Another spokesperson, Tuhin Sinha, claimed Muslims celebrate Eid only twice a year but Congress wants to celebrate it 10-12 times a year by renaming Hindu festivals. Sinha echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's characterization by calling the Congress party MMC.
Congress and the secularism debate
The BJP has challenged the opposition to reciprocate the terminology, framing the issue as a test of respect for Hindu faith. Gaurav Bhatia posted on X questioning if changing the identity of Hindu festivals had become a matter of political etiquette in Congress's secularism. He asked if Rahul Gandhi and Kharge would ever have the courage to call Eid the Deepavali of joy.
Bhatia stated that respecting Hindus' faith means not changing the identity of their festivals. The BJP's challenge to describe Eid as the Deepavali of joy now is the party's closing argument in the dispute.
