'Anti-Sanatan Mindset': BJP Launches All-Out Offensive Over Kharge Calling Diwali 'Eid Of Happiness'; Congress Mounts Fiery Counterattack

Political tensions have escalated in India following Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks describing Diwali as an "Eid of happiness." The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a robust counterattack against the opposition, accusing the Congress of blatant appeasement and hurting Hindu sentiments. Meanwhile, Congress and its allies have mounted a strong defence, asserting that the term "Eid" translates to celebration in a secular nation.

The controversy arose on November 7 when Kharge extended festive greetings to the nation, stating, "I extend my best wishes to everyone for Diwali. Many people celebrate it as it is an Eid of Happiness..." In response, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale criticized Kharge's comments, arguing that it is inappropriate to bring Hindus and Muslims into the context of Diwali. Athawale suggested that Diwali should be celebrated separately from Eid, and that people should participate in each other's festivals.

BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia went further, calling Kharge a "remote-controlled president" and accusing the Congress leadership of promoting an "anti-Hindu, anti-Sanatan mindset." He alleged that Kharge's remarks reflected the mindset of Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and that the Congress party was indulging in vote-bank politics. Bhatia described the Congress as promoting appeasement of the Muslim community and hurting the sentiments of Hindus.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh also slammed Kharge, accusing the Congress of minority appeasement and calling Kharge a "mouthpiece" of the Gandhi family. Singh stated that the Congress has always insulted Sanatan traditions and that Kharge's words only reflect the Nehru family's mindset. BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan described Kharge's wishes as a "twisted message" intended to hurt Hindu sentiments, accusing the Congress of promoting appeasement politics to gain votes.