The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday hit out at Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav for his remarks questioning the need to spend large sums on lighting diyas and candles during Diwali, calling his statement “shocking” and “insensitive” towards Hindu traditions.

A controversy erupted after Yadav said on Saturday, “Throughout the world, cities

become beautifully illuminated during Christmas, and this festive lighting can last for months.

We should take inspiration from this. Why do we need to spend money on diyas and candles, and overthink the process? We should reconsider what to expect from the government; perhaps it should be changed. We will ensure that there are more stunning lights in the future.”

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