'Eid of Happiness': BJP Slams Mallikarjun Kharge Over Diwali Greeting
BJP accuses Congress of anti-Sanatan politics after Mallikarjun Kharge called Diwali an Eid of happiness in his festive greeting.
A political firestorm has erupted across India after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge used a specific phrase in his Diwali greetings, sparking a fierce confrontation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The controversy began when Kharge described the festival of lights as an Mallikarjun Kharge Diwali greeting characterized as an "Eid of happiness that lasts for several days," emphasizing the festival's power to unite people.
The Spark of Controversy
While Kharge intended to highlight the joy and inclusivity of the occasion, the BJP has viewed the terminology as a calculated move. The ruling party has accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting the Hindu faith and pursuing an "anti-Sanatan" agenda. BJP leaders allege that by equating a major Hindu festival with "Eid," the Congress is engaging in blatant vote-bank politics and appeasement, even during sacred celebrations.
BJP Leaders Launch Heavy Attack
Several prominent figures within the BJP have voiced their outrage, framing the remark as an insult to the sentiments of millions.
- Pradeep Bhandari: The BJP spokesperson took to 'X' to label the Congress party as "anti-Sanatan." He further linked this greeting to previous comments made by former Congress President Sonia Gandhi concerning the Babri Masjid demolition.
- Sanjay Sarawagi: The BJP leader claimed that Kharge's words have wounded the sentiments of 110 crore Hindus, calling it a clear example of the party's politics of appeasement.
- C.R. Kesavan: The BJP spokesperson described the language used in the message as "twisted."
- Hemang Joshi: The national president of the BJP Yuva Morcha questioned the true intent behind the specific choice of words in the greeting.
Congress Defends the 'Harmony' Narrative
In the face of the mounting backlash, supporters and leaders of the Congress party have rushed to defend their president. They argue that the phrase was never intended to diminish the religious identity of Diwali or any other festival.
According to the Congress camp, Kharge's objective was to promote social harmony, mutual love, and a sense of brotherhood. They maintain that the greeting was a call for unity and that the BJP is intentionally misconstruing the words to create a communal divide.
A Larger Political Battle
The debate has now expanded beyond a simple greeting. BJP leaders are framing this incident within a broader pattern, linking it to other recent statements from the Congress leadership regarding the Babri Masjid issue. As the political temperature rises, the clash highlights the deep ideological divide between the two parties over the intersection of faith, language, and national politics.