Akhilesh Yadav News / Akhilesh Yadav's 2027 Diya Promise: Damage Control Amidst Criticism?

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has vowed that if the PDA government is formed in 2027, it will purchase diyas worth crores of rupees from the Prajapati community. This announcement is being widely interpreted as an attempt at damage control, following his recent controversial statement questioning the expenditure on diyas and candles.

Accusations Against Yogi Government

Yadav criticized the Yogi government, stating that it's baffling why so much money is spent on diyas in Ayodhya every year. He accused the BJP government of depriving Uttar Pradesh's Prajapati community of their rightful share by awarding diya manufacturing contracts to people from distant coastal states. "We want the diya, the wick, the oil, and the light to all be from Uttar Pradesh. The BJP shouldn't commit the sin of 'light under the lamp' by neglecting the people of Uttar Pradesh in its Deepotsav contracts," Yadav asserted.

Tweet on X

Akhilesh Yadav reiterated his commitment on the social media platform X. He tweeted, "For the Prajapati community of UP, we resolve that on Diwali 2027, the PDA government will buy diyas worth crores of rupees from them, ensuring they earn enough to keep the light of Diwali in their homes for many months.

Controversial Remarks and Backlash

Earlier, Yadav had stirred controversy by remarking that the world's countries illuminate for months during Christmas, and there's a need to learn from them, questioning why money should be spent on diyas and candles. This statement drew sharp criticism from various quarters, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). VHP National Spokesperson Vinod Bansal strongly condemned Yadav's comments, calling him a 'messiah of jihadis and conversion gangs' who prefers Christians over Hindus. Bansal questioned how the Hindu society, which has celebrated Diwali since before the birth of Christianity, now needs to learn about its rituals from Christians. He added that such leaders, who allegedly protected illegal conversions, filled their cabinets with jihadis and criminals.

उप्र के प्रजापति समाज के लिए हम ये संकल्प उठाते हैं कि 2027 की दिवाली पर पीडीए सरकार उनके करोड़ों रूपये के दीये ख़रीदेगी, जिनसे उनकी इतनी आमदनी हो सके कि उनके घरों में कई महीनों तक दिवाली का प्रकाश बना रहे।

आज की भाजपा सरकार दूर के तटीय राज्य के लोगों को ये काम देकर उप्र के… pic.twitter.com/IVS370e3Lk

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) October 18, 2025