Diwali is 'Eid of joy', says Kharge; Cong insulting Sanatan culture: BJP

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for describing Diwali as "khushiyon ki Eid," stating that it reflects the party's politics of appeasement and disregard for Hindu sentiments. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia questioned whether Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi would extend Eid greetings to Muslims by calling it "khushiyon ki Diwali" instead.

He emphasized that Diwali is a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage, faith, and pride, and the Congress cannot harm the sentiments of the Hindu community during this sacred festival.

Kharge, during his Diwali greetings, had used the phrase "khushiyon ki Eid," which angered the BJP. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera defended Kharge, arguing that his critics were "semantically ignorant" since the term "Eid" directly translates to "festival." Bhatia accused Kharge's remarks of aligning with past instances of the Congress disrespecting Hindu sentiments, citing the party's comparison of Lord Rama to an imaginary character.

The BJP has also targeted Congress leader Sonia Gandhi over her emotional response to the demolition of the Babri Mosque in 1992 and her alleged sympathy for the exodus of Hindus from Kashmir in 1990.