'Why spend money on diyas': SP chief Akhilesh Yadav questions Deepotsav spending; BJP hits back ahead of Ayodhya celebrations

NEW DELHI: On the eve of Ayodhya’s grand Deepotsav celebrations, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav triggered a political storm by questioning the Yogi Adityanath-led government’s expenditure on diyas and candles for the event.His comments sparked sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused the SP of continuing its opposition to Hindu religious sentiments.Speaking on Saturday, Akhilesh Yadav said, “ I don’t want to give a suggestion. But I will give one suggestion on the name of Lord Ram. In the entire world, all the cities get illuminated during Christmas. And that goes on for months. We should learn from them."He added, "Why do we have to spend money on diyas, lamps and candles and put so much thought into it? What can we expect from this government; it should be removed.

We will make sure that there are more beautiful lights.”The remarks, made just before the ninth edition of Ayodhya’s Deepotsav, were swiftly condemned by BJP leaders. The ruling party accused Yadav and the SP of undermining Hindu traditions and attempting to politicize a cultural event that has brought international recognition to the temple town.BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla responded: “This is the Sanatan-virodhi ecosystem.

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.”Ayodhya gears up for guinness recordMeanwhile, preparations continued at a frenetic pace in Ayodhya for the grand Deepotsav on Sunday, set to take place across 56 ghats of the Saryu River. The government is aiming for another Guinness World Record by lighting over 31 lakh earthen lamps, surpassing last year’s record of 25.12 lakh diyas.Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said, “33,000 volunteers will illuminate more than 31 lakh diyas so that the required minimum target — 26.11 lakh diyas — for the Guinness bid is achieved.”The volunteers have been drawn from 28 degree colleges, 30 inter-colleges, and various social organisations in and around Ayodhya. Together, they will use 73,000 litres of oil and 55 lakh cotton wicks for the record attempt.