A remark by Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav suggesting people should “learn from Christmas” has ignited a major political firestorm in Uttar Pradesh. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fiercely criticized the statement, accusing the former Chief Minister of promoting an “anti-Sanatan” mindset and engaging in blatant appeasement politics ahead of the 2024 elections.
What Did Akhilesh Yadav Say?
The controversy erupted after Yadav, while addressing a gathering, commented on the universal message of joy and harmony associated with Christmas. He reportedly said, “Jesus Christ gave a message of love and compassion. We should learn from the way Christmas is celebrated, bringing everyone together with happiness and charity.” While the SP chief likely intended this as a simple call for unity, his political rivals interpreted it as a slight against Hindu festivals and traditions.
BJP‘s ‘Anti-Sanatan’ Accusation
The BJP launched a swift and coordinated attack, framing Yadav’s comment as a direct insult to Sanatan Dharma. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya spearheaded the criticism, questioning the need to look to other cultures for lessons on unity.
“Our festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Raksha Bandhan have been uniting society for centuries. To suggest we need to ‘learn’ from others is an insult to our rich traditions and the crores of Hindus who celebrate them,” Maurya declared on social media, accusing Yadav of “minority appeasement.”
Other BJP leaders echoed this sentiment, arguing that the statement deliberately undermines Hindu culture to woo minority voters. “This is not an isolated slip of the tongue; it is a reflection of the Samajwadi Party‘s core ideology, which has always prioritised vote banks over our cultural heritage,” a senior BJP leader stated. “Why doesn’t he ever say we should learn from the community spirit of Diwali?”
Samajwadi Party Hits Back at ‘Divisive Politics’
The Samajwadi Party has defended its leader, dismissing the BJP’s criticism as a malicious and deliberate attempt to communalise a positive message. SP spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary clarified that Yadav’s remark was about embracing positive values from all cultures, not belittling any single religion.
“The BJP sees everything through a divisive lens. Akhilesh Ji was simply appreciating the message of love and service that Christmas represents,” Chaudhary said. “To twist this into an ‘anti-Sanatan’ statement shows the BJP’s political bankruptcy. They resort to their old trick of polarising society on religious lines.”
A Prelude to the 2024 Electoral Battle?
This war of words underscores the deeply polarised political climate in India’s most populous state. As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, every statement is being weaponised. The controversy provides the BJP an opportunity to reinforce its image as the primary custodian of Hindu interests, while the SP navigates the challenge of projecting a secular image without alienating the majority community. In the high-stakes arena of Indian politics, even a festive greeting has become fodder for a fierce ideological battle.
