'Why Spend Money On Diya': Akhilesh Yadav's Remark On Ayodhya Deepotsav Draws BJP's Ire

Last Updated:October 18, 2025, 20:06 IST

The BJP quickly reacted to Yadav's remarks, saying that the Samajwadi Party has a history of opposing the Ram Mandir movement and spreading the anti-Hindu narrative

SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav | File Image

Ahead of Ayodhya’s grand Deepotsav celebrations, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday sparked a political controversy by questioning the need for spending huge sums on lighting diyas and candles.

The BJP quickly reacted to Yadav’s remarks, saying that the Samajwadi Party has a history of opposing the Ram Mandir movement and spreading the anti-Hindu narrative.

“In the entire world, all the 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?" said Yadav.

“What can we expect from this government; it should be removed. We will make sure that there are more beautiful lights," he added.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla strongly reacted to Yadav’s remarks.

“A party with a history of opposing the Ram Mandir movement, keeping Ayodhya in darkness for years, and even taking pride in attacking Ram Bhakts, is now opposing the city’s decoration for Deepotsav," the BJP leader said.

“When they held the Saifai celebration, which did not benefit the common people, they felt proud. But in Ayodhya, where thousands of small vendors are earning a living, some are expressing discontent," he added.

Ayodhya Deepotsav

The ninth edition of Ayodhya’s festival of lights is once again transforming the city, blending devotion, music, and cutting-edge technology.

Kicked off on October 17, the festivities will reach their climax tomorrow with the lighting of 26,11,101 diyas across 56 ghats along the Saryu River, marking a new high in the city’s vibrant celebration of faith.

Deepotsav 2025 showcases a stunning scale of participation: 26 lakh diyas, 2,100 Vedic scholars, 1,100 drones, and 33,000 volunteers come together in a remarkable display of discipline and collective devotion.

Since its inception in 2017 with 1.71 lakh diyas, the festival has grown fifteenfold, symbolising not only its record-breaking size but also the deepening connection between community and spirituality.

This year, the celebrations extend beyond Ram ki Paidi, covering newly developed ghats such as Rajghat, Guptarghat, and Laxman Kila Ghat.

The city itself is transformed, with decorative arches, thematic facades, and intricate light installations illuminating approach roads, temple paths, and public spaces, creating a living canvas of faith.

Central to the festival’s smooth execution is a dedicated team of 33,000 volunteers, including students, local youth, teachers, and social groups, ensuring that every diya is placed perfectly and visitors experience the event safely.

Ronit Singh

Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be...Read More

Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be...

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