New Delhi: A sharp exchange of political and cultural rhetoric erupted today after Akhilesh Yadav, chief of the Samajwadi Party (SP), struck a critical note on Diwali celebrations in Uttar Pradesh—and found himself on the receiving end of a heated rebuke from Vinod Bansal of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

The controversy began when Yadav, addressing a Diwali gathering, asserted: “In the entire world, all the cities get illuminated during Christmas. And that goes on for months. Why do we have to spend money on lamps and candles and put so much thought into it?” He described the Uttar Pradesh government under Yogi Adityanath as “a futility government” and criticised Lucknow’s traffic, garbage, and smart-city tag. ADVERTISEMENT

Bansal responded in full force, calling Yadav’s comments evi

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