New Delhi: Congress leader Udit Raj criticised the grand Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya, alleging that those celebrating with diyas are the same forces responsible for promoting Hindu-Muslim division and Dalit oppression. His remarks came after the temple town entered the Guinness World Records for lighting 26.17 lakh earthen lamps along the Saryu River and conducting a synchronised aarti with over 2,000 devotees.
While the Uttar Pradesh government hailed the event as a display of faith and unity, Raj questioned its social message. “Those who light diyas are responsible for the Hindu-Muslim divide in society. They are responsible for Dalit oppression. They only talk about hatred,” he told IANS. He added that the government should focus on records of crime against Dalits, poverty, and unemployment instead of symbolic celebrations.
Raj also raised concerns about Delhi’s worsening air quality following Diwali festivities. The Air Quality Index touched 400 in several areas, reaching the ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ categories. He criticised the government for blaming stubble burning while ignoring pollution from fireworks. “If anyone questions this, they are labelled anti-Hindu. When we speak for life or climate, we are told we oppose tradition,” he said.
The Congress leader urged civil society to act responsibly, questioning the logic of spending heavily on firecrackers while public health suffers. “What can be more important than health?” he asked.
