• Vinod Bansal criticises Kharge over his Diwali remark.
• VHP spokesperson alleges disrespect towards Hindu traditions.
• Congress defends the phrase as a metaphor for happiness.
• Controversy sparks a political exchange over cultural expression.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th Nov: Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) national spokesperson Vinod Bansal has slammed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his description of Diwali as an “Eid of happiness”, accusing the Congress of disrespecting Hindu traditions and sentiments.

In a strongly worded post on X, Bansal termed Kharge’s remark unfortunate, shameful and condemnable. He alleged that the statement reflected the Congress’s approach towards Hindu festivals and Indian cultural traditions.

Bansal questioned whether Hindu festivals had become a matter of embarrassment for the Congress and accused the party of following appeasement politics at the cost of the sentiments of the Hindu community.

He also sought clarification from the Congress leadership on whether the party intended to distance itself from Hindu festivals and Sanatan culture. Calling the issue a matter of faith and belief for millions of Hindus, he demanded a response from the party.

The controversy began after Kharge, while extending Diwali greetings, described the festival as “khushiyon ka Eid” (Eid of happiness). He also highlighted the festival’s message of joy and appealed for peace, harmony and national unity.

The Congress defended Kharge’s choice of words. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera argued that the word ‘Eid’ literally means festival and accused critics of deliberately misinterpreting the Congress president’s message. Congress leader Rashid Alvi also defended the expression, describing Eid as a metaphor for happiness.

The remarks have triggered a political exchange between the BJP and Congress, with BJP leaders questioning the comparison while Congress leaders maintain that Kharge intended to convey a message of shared celebration and harmony.