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‘Why Spend Money On Diyas’: Akhilesh Yadav’s Remark On Ayodhya Deepotsav Sparks Row, BJP Hits Out

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Summary: On the eve of Ayodhya’s grand Deepotsav celebrations, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav sparked controversy by questioning the Yogi Adityanath government’s spending on diyas and candles. He suggested learning from Christmas festivities worldwide, which light cities for months, and criticized the government’s focus on traditional lamps. His remarks drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused the SP of opposing Hindu traditions and politicizing a cultural event that has gained international acclaim. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called it a “Sanatan-virodhi ecosystem” and highlighted SP’s history of opposing the Ram Mandir movement. Meanwhile, preparations in Ayodhya continue at a rapid pace for the ninth Deepotsav, set across 56 ghats of the Saryu River. The government aims to break last year’s Guinness World Record by lighting over 31 lakh earthen lamps, with 33,000 volunteers from colleges and social organizations participating. They will use 73,000 litres of oil and 55 lakh cotton wicks in the effort to surpass the previous record of 25.12 lakh diyas.

On the eve of Ayodhya’s grand Deepotsav celebrations, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav sparked controversy by questioning the Yogi Adityanath government’s spe

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