New Delhi: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has triggered a major political controversy with his comments questioning the need to spend large sums of money on lighting diyas and candles during Diwali.

His remarks have drawn sharp reactions from several BJP leaders, who accused him of “insulting Hindu traditions” and “showing contempt for Indian culture.”

Yadav, while speaking on Saturday, said, “Throughout the world, cities become beautifully illuminated during Christmas, and this festive lighting can last for months. We should take inspiration from this. Why do we need to spend money on diyas and candles, and overthink the process? We should reconsider what to expect from the government; perhaps it should be changed. We will ensure that there are more stunning lights in the fu

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