The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp attack on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his description of Diwali as ‘Khushiyon ka Eid’ (Eid of happiness), triggering a fresh political controversy between the ruling party and the opposition.
The controversy erupted after Kharge extended Diwali greetings to people on Saturday, November 7. While wishing the countrymen, the Congress president described Diwali as a major festival celebrated across India and referred to it as the ‘Eid of happiness’, suggesting that the festival represents joy and togetherness.
His choice of words did not go down well with the BJP, which accused the Congress leadership of disrespecting Hindu religious traditions and indulging in minority appeasement.
On Monday, November 9, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia strongly criticised Kharge during a press conference in New Delhi.
“Diwali is Diwali, and Eid is Eid. Why is it that when it comes to Diwali, which has its own sanctity, tradition and identity, you choose to call it Eid while extending greetings to Hindus?” Bhatia said.
He questioned whether the Congress had difficulty acknowledging Hindu festivals by their own names. He also challenged Kharge and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to demonstrate similar expressions by describing Eid as the ‘Diwali of happiness’.
Bhatia alleged that the Congress was attempting to dilute the identity of Hindu festivals under the banner of secularism. He further accused the party of following a policy that, according to him, hurt Hindu sentiments while attempting to appease particular communities.
Union minister Giriraj Singh also criticised Kharge's remarks, linking them to the Congress leadership's broader political approach.
Congress hits back at BJP
The Congress was quick to defend its president. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned the BJP's interpretation of Kharge's statement, arguing that the word 'Eid' simply means a festival or celebration.
Khera said the expression ‘Khushiyon ka Eid’ was used as a metaphor for happiness and was not intended to change or undermine the religious identity of Diwali.
Congress leader Rashid Alvi also defended Kharge, explaining that Eid is commonly associated with joy and celebration in everyday expressions. He cited the familiar phrase ‘Eid ka chand’ to explain how the festival's name is used metaphorically.
The exchange has once again brought the BJP and Congress face-to-face over religion, secularism and political messaging.
With both parties defending their respective positions, Kharge's festive greeting has turned into a fresh political flashpoint, adding another chapter to the ongoing war of words between the country's two major political parties.
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