PANAJI: BJP Goa Vice President Narendra Sawaikar on Monday criticised the Congress over its alleged remarks linking Diwali with Eid, accusing the party of hurting Hindu sentiments and indulging in appeasement politics.
In a social media statement, Sawaikar said the controversy was not merely a slip of the tongue but reflected the Congress party’s mindset.
“Diwali is not Eid. Diwali marks the return of Prabhu Shri Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile,” he stated.
He further alleged that the Congress was distorting the significance of Hindu festivals for political purposes and questioned whether the party could respect Hindu traditions without bringing appeasement politics into the discussion.
Calling the alleged remarks an insult to the faith of millions of Hindus, Sawaikar demanded an apology from the Congress.
“Diwali is Diwali. It is the festival of lights, of pride, of our Sanatan identity,” he added.
His statement comes amid a political controversy over alleged remarks by a Congress leader connecting Diwali with Eid.
