New Delhi, Agency
A political controversy has erupted over Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge's description of Diwali as an "Eid of happiness" (khushiyon ka ek Eid) in his festive greetings, with the Bharatiya Janata Party accusing the Congress of minority appeasement and vote-bank politics, while the Opposition party has defended the expression as a metaphor for joy, brotherhood and communal harmony.
In his message to the public on the occasion of Deepavali, Kharge described the festival of lights as one of India's major celebrations, emphasising its ability to bring people together in an atmosphere of happiness and togetherness. Referring to Diwali as "khushiyon ka ek Eid", he sought to convey the universal spirit of joy associated with the festival.
The Congress president also appealed to people to maintain peace and national unity, urging them to set aside differences, resolve misunderstandings and strengthen mutual understanding. Congress leaders maintained that his message was intended to promote social harmony and reinforce the idea of peaceful coexistence.
However, the choice of the word "Eid" triggered a sharp reaction from the BJP, whose leaders accused the Congress of attempting to appease minorities at the expense of acknowledging Hindu religious and cultural traditions. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia questioned why Kharge had not simply referred to Diwali as Diwali, alleging that the Congress was reluctant to acknowledge the distinct identity of a Hindu festival.
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also criticised the remark, accusing the Congress of adopting an approach hostile to Sanatan traditions. union Minister Giriraj Singh joined the attack, alleging that the Opposition party was attempting to secure political support through religious appeasement. BJP leaders further challenged Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to describe Eid as a "Diwali of happiness" when extending greetings on the occasion of the Muslim festival.
The controversy also drew a reaction from Shiv Sena leader Anand Dubey, who maintained that Diwali and Eid have their own religious and cultural significance and that the distinct identity of each festival should be respected.
The Congress, however, rejected the BJP's allegations and defended Kharge's choice of words. Congress leader Rashid Alvi argued that the word "Eid" is also used in common expressions as a metaphor for happiness and celebration. He maintained that Kharge's remark should be understood in this broader linguistic and social context, insisting that the intention was to promote brotherhood and harmony rather than dilute or undermine the religious significance of Diwali.
At the heart of the controversy is the interpretation of a phrase: whether describing Diwali as an "Eid of happiness" was merely a metaphorical expression of widespread joy or, as the BJP alleges, an inappropriate description of a festival with its own distinct religious and cultural identity. What began as a festive message advocating peace and togetherness has thus turned into another political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the principal Opposition party.
000
