In the charged atmosphere of Indian politics, a single phrase has become the center of a fierce controversy. On October 28, 2026, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders launched a scathing attack against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge following his description of Diwali as 'khushiyon ka Eid' (Eid of joy). The remark, seemingly innocuous to some, has ignited a political firestorm that cuts to the heart of India's complex relationship between religion and politics.
Kharge's characterization of Diwali, one of Hinduism's most significant festivals, as an 'Eid of joy' did not sit well with BJP leaders. The party's spokespersons, including Pradeep Bhandari, Gaurav Bhatia, and Tuhin Sinha, immediately condemned the remark, framing it as part of a pattern they see of the Congress party diminishing Hindu cultural identity. "Mr Kharge, what exactly is the problem with calling Diwali, the biggest festival of Hindus, by its own name?" questioned Gaurav Bhatia, encapsulating the BJP's position that the festival deserves its proper recognition.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's Diwali-Eid remark, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia says, "Is the Congress party's character, its DNA, now to change the identity of Hindu festivals? Crores of Hindus are hurt by this communal appeasement statement by Mallikarjun Kharge. If this is appropriate, then I challenge Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to say, 'Ye khushion ki Diwali aa gayi' when Eid comes this time..."
The BJP didn't stop at criticizing the choice of words. They went further, labeling the Congress party as 'anti-Sanatani' – a term referring to those opposed to traditional Hindu values. This accusation represents one of the most serious political charges in contemporary Indian discourse, suggesting a fundamental opposition to Hindu cultural heritage. The BJP leaders argued that such language demonstrates the Congress party's alleged commitment to what they call 'appeasement politics' – prioritizing minority sentiments at the expense of majority cultural expressions.
The BJP appears to be testing whether Congress leaders would be willing to extend the same descriptive language to Muslim festivals as they did to Diwali.
In an escalation of the controversy, BJP leaders dared Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to prove their secular credentials by referring to Eid as 'Diwali of joy.' This challenge, while seemingly rhetorical, serves to highlight the BJP's narrative that the Congress party selectively applies principles of secularism, particularly when it comes to Hindu festivals. The BJP appears to be testing whether Congress leaders would be willing to extend the same descriptive language to Muslim festivals as they did to Diwali.
‘Diwali is Diwali, Eid is Eid’: BJP slams Mallikarjun Kharge over festival remark https://t.co/m46ryDtYUj 📲 For News on the go, Download HT app👇 https://t.co/9W0FxNe2S3
The controversy underscores the ongoing political tensions regarding the cultural identity of Hindu festivals in India. For the BJP, which has long positioned itself as the primary defender of Hindu interests, such remarks provide ammunition to reinforce their narrative of the Congress party's alleged bias against Hindu culture. The BJP's response suggests they view this not merely as a linguistic choice but as a fundamental question of respect for Hindu faith and traditions.
As the political rhetoric intensifies, the debate has become another front in the broader cultural and ideological battle between India's major political parties. The BJP's challenge to Congress leaders to reciprocate by describing Eid in similar terms has set the stage for what promises to be an increasingly polarized discussion about religious expression in public life.
#BreakingNews | Mallikarjun Kharge sparks major political controversy in by describing Diwali as an "Eid of happiness" (khushiyon ka Eid) while extending festive greetings to the nation - he has now drawn severe criticism from the BJP @_pallavighosh shares more on this #Kharge #Diwali #Eid | @gesu_bhardwaj