The BJP on Monday accused the Congress of engaging in vote-bank politics after party president Mallikarjun Kharge described Diwali as an "Eid of Happiness" (Khushiyon ka Eid) while extending festive greetings, triggering a political row ahead of 2027 Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
BJP sources said that, following Kharge’s recent remark on ‘regime change’, his latest comment comparing Diwali with Eid had once again given the party an opportunity to target the Congress. Some senior BJP leaders also acknowledged that the controversy could benefit the BJP politically in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
The BJP accused the Congress of indulging in the ‘politics of appeasement’ and hurting Hindu sentiments by describing Diwali as ‘Khushiyon ki Eid’.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that the Congress had made it a practice to disrespect Hindu religious traditions while attempting to appease the Muslim community. “This is the DNA of the Congress party: one, indulging in blatant appeasement of the Muslim community; and two, hurting the sentiments of the Hindu community even during a festival that symbolises joy, happiness and inclusiveness,” Bhatia said. Questioning Kharge’s remark, Bhatia alleged that what Kharge had said reflected the party’s “anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan mindset”.
He further alleged that Kharge was acting under the influence of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, claiming that his statements reflected their views. “Mallikarjun Kharge ji, the Congress president, is effectively controlled by a remote control in the hands of Sonia Gandhi, with Rahul Gandhi pulling the strings,” Bhatia asserted.
In a post on X, Bhatia also questioned Kharge’s choice of words, saying, “Mr Kharge, what exactly is the problem with calling Diwali, the biggest festival of Hindus, by its own name?” He maintained that Eid had its own significance, while Diwali had its own sanctity, traditions, and identity. “Has changing the identity of Hindu festivals become a matter of political etiquette in Congress’s so-called secularism? Rahul Gandhi and Mr Kharge, answer this: will you ever have the courage to call Eid the ‘Diwali of joy’?” he asked. “Respect Hindus’ faith; don’t change the identity of their festivals. Diwali was, Diwali is, and Diwali will remain Diwali,” he said.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also accused the Congress of being "anti-Sanatan" and "anti-Hindu", alleging that Kharge's choice of words was aimed at appeasing voters.
In a video message posted on X, Bhandari linked the remarks to what he described as the Congress's history of appeasement, referring to Sonia Gandhi's alleged reaction to the Batla House encounter and the Babri Masjid dispute. He also criticised the party for not visiting the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Bhandari further accused the Congress of remaining silent when DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin described Sanatan Dharma as being like dengue and malaria.
BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan also criticised Kharge's remarks, calling his Diwali message "twisted" and accusing the Congress of hurting Hindu sentiments for political gain.
In a post on X, Kesavan alleged that the Congress had repeatedly insulted Hindu religious traditions and events. He referred to Kharge's earlier criticism of the Maha Kumbh and Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Chhath Puja, which he claimed had been dismissed as a "drama".
Kesavan also invoked the Congress's opposition to the reconstruction of the Somnath temple under Jawaharlal Nehru and Rahul Gandhi's criticism of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, which he said had been described as a "Naach Gaana" event.
Another party spokesperson, Tuhin Sinha, said that Muslims celebrate Eid only twice a year, but the Congress wanted to celebrate every Hindu festival as ‘Khushiyon ki Eid’.
“So, the Congress party effectively wants to celebrate Eid 10–12 times a year. That’s why this Congress party is MMC (Maowadi Muslim League Congress), as Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls it,” Sinha remarked.
BJP MP and Rajya Sabha member Tarun Chugh also accused the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics. He said Kharge’s remark had hurt the sentiments of crores of Sanatanis and alleged that the party was reluctant to acknowledge the distinct identity of Hindu festivals because of vote-bank considerations. “By describing Diwali as the Eid of happiness, whom is Kharge ji trying to appease? Has vote-bank politics had such an influence that the Congress is even hesitant to acknowledge the identity of Hindu festivals?” Chugh said.
Taking a further swipe at the Congress, Chugh alleged, “It is unfortunate that you are now insulting India’s culture. Just to appease others, have you now made Indian culture a target of your criticism and abuse?”
The BJP leaders' remarks came two days after Kharge extended Diwali greetings to the public on November 7. Speaking to reporters, the Congress president had reportedly described the festival as an "Eid of Happiness" and called for peace and national unity.
"I extend my best wishes to everyone for Diwali. Many people celebrate it as it is an Eid of Happiness," Kharge said.
He also urged people to set aside their differences and work together to protect the country and strengthen national unity.
"I urge those who may be in conflict or harbouring misunderstandings with one another to set these differences aside. Let us all work wholeheartedly to protect our country and foster national unity," he said.
(With inputs from ANI)
