Kharge’s Diwali Greeting Draws BJP and AIMIM Criticism

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s description of Diwali as an “Eid of Happiness” prompted criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and an objection from an All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen spokesperson, turning his festival greeting into a political dispute.

Kharge made the comparison while speaking to reporters as he extended Diwali wishes. In remarks reported on November 7, he described the festival as one of happiness and said it brought people together. He also called for peace and national unity. His published greeting separately wished for happiness, peace, prosperity and goodwill, and called for love, brotherhood and harmony in society.

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused Congress of vote-bank politics and described the party as anti-Sanatan. Other BJP figures also criticised the wording. Gaurav Bhatia challenged Kharge and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to describe Eid as a Diwali of joy, while CR Kesavan accused Congress of using religious issues for political purposes. These were the BJP figures’ characterisations; the remarks themselves do not establish the intent they alleged.

AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan also criticised the comparison, saying...