A controversy has arisen in the country's politics regarding a statement given by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on the occasion of the holy festival of Diwali. During an interaction with the media, while conveying Diwali wishes, Kharge termed Diwali as the 'Eid of Joy'. After his statement, the Bharatiya Janata Party has attacked the Congress.
BJP accuses Congress of vote bank politics
Reacting to Khadge's statement, BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan accused the Congress of playing votebank appeasement politics. He alleged that the Congress is hurting the faith and sentiments of crores of Hindu devotees for its own political calculations.
BJP leaders have questioned this statement by linking it to the Congress' attitude towards age-old traditions. On the other hand, the political debate has intensified over Khadge's statement.
Also mention of Sonia Gandhi's interview
In this controversy, the BJP has also mentioned former Congress president Sonia Gandhi's interview to the British newspaper 'The Guardian' and her forthcoming book 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'.
The BJP alleged that the sentiments expressed by Sonia Gandhi on the December 6, 1992 Babri Masjid demolition incident reflected the mindset of the Congress. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also accused the Congress of being anti-Sanatan on this issue.
Political statements flourish in the festive atmosphere
The statement given on the occasion of a big festival like Diwali has started a political war between BJP and Congress. BJP leaders are surrounding the Congress on this issue, while the entire incident is being debated in political circles.
The controversy has once again brought the relationship between religion, festivals and political statements into the center of debate in Indian politics. In the coming days, all eyes will be on whether there is any clarification or reaction from the Congress on this issue.