'Why Spend Money On Diya': Akhilesh Yadav's Remark On Ayodhya Deepotsav Sparks Controversy

'Why Spend Money On Diya': Ahead of the grand Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday made a statement regarding the lighting of diyas and candles, which has sparked controversy. The BJP immediately reacted to Akhilesh Yadav's remarks, stating that the Samajwadi Party has a history of opposing the Ram Temple movement and spreading anti-Hindu sentiments.

Also Read: DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, accused of bribery, suspended by Punjab government During a press conference at the Samajwadi Party headquarters in Lucknow, a media person asked Akhilesh Yadav that candles would be lit instead of diyas this time during the Ayodhya Deepotsav and that the number of diyas had also decreased.

#WATCH | Lucknow | SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav says, "... I dont 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. Why do we… pic.twitter.com/HAL47migCC

— ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2025

What would he say about this? Responding to this question, the SP chief said, "I don't want to make any suggestions, but I do want to make one in the name of Lord Ram."

We should learn from Christmas: Akhilesh

He further said, "All over the world, cities are illuminated during Christmas. And this continues for months. We should learn from them. Why spend so much money on lamps and candles and why so much thought? What can we expect from this government? It should be removed. When our government comes to power, we will arrange for beautiful lighting." BJP national spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala reacted strongly to Akhilesh Yadav's comment.

Also Read: Massive fire has broken out at the Brahmaputra Apartments on BD Marg in Delhi He said, "The party that took pride in opposing the Ram temple movement, keeping Ayodhya in darkness for years, and even firing on Ram devotees is now opposing the city's decorations for Deepotsav. They felt proud when they celebrated in Saifai, which did not benefit the common people." But in Ayodhya, where thousands of small shopkeepers earn their livelihoods, some people are expressing discontent.

Banks of the Saryu River will be illuminated with 2.6 million diyas

This is the ninth edition of the Deepotsav in Ayodhya. On October 19th, a day before Diwali, the festival will culminate with the lighting of 2,611,101 diyas at 56 ghats along the Saryu River. Deepotsav 2025 will see 2.6 million diyas, 2,100 Vedic scholars, 1,100 drones, and 33,000 volunteers unite in a spectacular display of discipline and collective devotion. Beginning with 171,000 diyas in 2017, the festival has now grown fifteenfold, demonstrating its record-breaking grandeur.

Summary

This year, the Deepotsav has expanded beyond Ram Ki Paidi to newly developed ghats such as Rajghat, Guptarghat, and Laxman Kila Ghat.