Akhilesh Yadav stirs row with Christmas-light remark as BJP, VHP accuse him of mocking Indian traditions

Questioning the money and effort spent on traditional lighting, Akhilesh advised that India should “learn” how cities across the world celebrate Christmas.

"I will give one suggestion in the name of Lord Ram. Across the world, all cities get illuminated during Christmas, and that goes on for months. We should learn from them. Why do we have to spend money on lamps and candles and put so much thought into it?" Yadav said while addressing a gathering.

He then went on to demand the state government’s removal, promising to use Christmas-style illumination during Diwali.

He added, "What can we expect from this government? It should be removed. We will make sure that there are more beautiful lights."

His comments come as Ayodhya, where the famous Sri Ram Janma Bhoomi Teertha Kshetra is located, the birthplace of Lord Ram, is looking to create history by lighting over 26 lakh diyas to mark Diwali.

Officials said a record 26,11,101 lamps will light up Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats, showcasing Ayodhya’s spiritual and cultural splendour.

They added that the lamp count is being determined according to their placement pattern.

The BJP hit out at Akhilesh Yadav over his remarks, accusing him of being unable to bear Ayodhya’s newfound radiance.

“Akhilesh Yadav seems to have a problem when Ayodhya shines,” said BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, recalling that during the Samajwadi Party’s rule, the city was “kept in darkness” and Ram devotees were even fired upon.

“These are the same people who held singing and dancing festivals in Saifai. But when Ayodhya celebrates Diwali, Akhilesh Yadav is suddenly uncomfortable,” he added.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) also joined the attack, alleging that Yadav was glorifying Western traditions over Indian culture.

VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the former UP chief minister appeared “so disturbed by the rows of diyas in Ayodhya” that he was now “preaching to Hindus to learn from Christmas.”

Bansal accused Yadav of “praising foreign festivals while mocking Indian traditions,” saying his comments revealed where his loyalties lay.