BJP attacks Congress over Kharge's 'Eid of Happiness' remark on Diwali
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday criticised the Congress over party president Mallikarjun Kharge's description of Diwali as an "Eid of Happiness", accusing the opposition party of engaging in vote-bank politics ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari launched a sharp attack on the Congress in a video message posted on X, describing it as an "anti-Hindu" and "anti-Sanatan" party.
"Congress is an anti-Sanatan, anti-Hindu party, which is why Mallikarjun Kharge called Deepawali an 'Eid of Happiness'. This is pure vote-bank politics ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections," Bhandari said.
He also referred to the Congress leadership's stance on several religious and political issues, including the Babri Masjid, the Batla House encounter and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Bhandari accused the party of remaining silent when DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin made controversial remarks about Sanatan Dharma.
He further alleged that neither the Gandhi-Vadra family nor the Congress president had visited the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Another BJP spokesperson, CR Kesavan, also criticised Kharge's remarks, describing his Diwali message as "twisted" and accusing the Congress of hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus for political gains.
In a post on X, Kesavan said the Congress president's message reflected the party's alleged "toxic vote bank politics of appeasement".
Kesavan also cited Kharge's earlier remarks on the Maha Kumbh, Rahul Gandhi's comments on Chhath Puja and the Congress party's position on the reconstruction of the Somnath temple and the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
He accused the Congress of maintaining a "Hindu Virodhi mindset" and using religious issues to pursue what he described as divisive vote-bank politics.
What did Mallikarjun Kharge say?
The BJP's criticism came after Kharge extended Diwali greetings on November 7. Speaking to reporters, the Congress president described the festival as an "Eid of Happiness" while wishing people across the country.
"I extend my best wishes to everyone for Diwali. Many people celebrate it as it is an Eid of Happiness," he said.
Kharge’s video
Kharge also used the occasion to appeal for peace and national unity, urging people to put aside their differences and work together to protect the country.
"On this festive occasion, I would like to convey my greetings to all my fellow countrymen. I also have a special appeal: it is essential to maintain peace in the nation," he said.
He urged those involved in conflicts or disagreements to set aside their differences and work towards fostering national unity.
ANI