'Eid of Happiness': BJP Slams Kharge Over Diwali Comparison
BJP attacks Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for calling Diwali an 'Eid of happiness,' alleging anti-Hindu mindset and vote bank politics.
A political storm has erupted following a comment made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, where he compared the festival of Diwali to Eid. The remark has sparked a fierce backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused the Congress leadership of attempting to erase the distinct identity of Hindu festivals under the guise of secularism.
The Comment That Sparked the Row
The controversy began on November 7, when Mallikarjun Kharge extended his greetings to the public for the festival of lights. During his message, Kharge described Diwali as an 'Eid of happiness,' adding that it is a celebration that lasts for several days. While the Congress leader likely intended the remark as a gesture of inclusivity and shared joy, the BJP viewed it as a calculated political move.
BJP's Sharp Retort: 'Anti-Hindu Mindset'
The BJP wasted no time in launching a counter-attack, with party spokespersons accusing the Congress of prioritizing "vote bank politics" even during a sacred festival. BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged that the Congress party continues to harbor an anti-Sanatan and anti-Hindu mindset, suggesting that such comparisons are an attempt to undermine cultural traditions.
Questioning the 'Secular' Narrative
Adding to the criticism, BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia emphasized that while Eid is significant in its own right, Diwali possesses its own unique sanctity, traditions, and identity. He questioned whether it had now become a standard part of "political etiquette" for the Congress to alter the identity of Hindu festivals in the name of secularism.
The Challenge to Congress Leadership
In a pointed challenge, Gaurav Bhatia questioned the courage of the Congress top brass. He asked whether Mallikarjun Kharge or Rahul Gandhi would ever dare to reverse the comparison and describe Eid as a 'Diwali of happiness.'
The clash highlights the deepening ideological divide between the two major parties, as a simple festive greeting transforms into a larger debate over religious identity and political intent in India.