Akhilesh's 'Wasteful' Diya Remark Ignites Political War Ahead of Ayodhya's Deepotsav

A political firestorm has erupted over Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's comments on Ayodhya's Deepotsav, drawing sharp reactions from the BJP. The controversy ignited after Yadav questioned the tradition, asking 'why spend money on lamps and candles' and suggesting inspiration should be taken from how cities are lit for Christmas. The remarks, labelled a 'wasteful expense' in the ensuing debate, were defended by SP spokesperson Pooja Mishra, who claimed Yadav was answering a question on a reported Diya shortage. BJP spokesperson Charu Pragya, however, condemned the statement as an insult to Sanatan Dharma. The clash comes as Ayodhya prepares for its grand Deepotsav, an event that has previously set Guinness World Records for the largest display of oil lamps.