Both Sides Seeking to Woo Vote Banks : Imam Association Chief Maulana Rashidi Criticises Congress and BJP Over Diwali-Eid Remarks

All India Imam Association (AIAA) President Maulana Sajid Rashidi has accused both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of making politically calculated remarks aimed at strengthening their respective vote banks. Rashidi criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, accusing both leaders of dragging religious festivals into political discourse.

Rashidi alleged that Kharge’s reference to Eid while extending Diwali greetings was intended to appeal to Muslim voters. At the same time, he took aim at Trivedi over an alleged remark suggesting that Eid had no place in Indian society, claiming such comments were meant to consolidate Hindu votes. “Both sides are making carefully worded statements to attract their respective vote banks,” Rashidi said. He questioned why Kharge, after decades in politics, felt the need to mention Eid in connection with Diwali, arguing that the reference was politically motivated.

Turning his attention to Trivedi, Rashidi said the alleged remarks about Eid were equally aimed at polarisation. He pointed out that Hindus in India have historically referred to the Muslim festival by its familiar name, Eid, and questioned whether the word’s Arabic origin could be used to suggest that the festival was somehow separate from India’s cultural identity.

“Eid may be an Arabic word, but does that mean the culture associated with it is not ours or is not part of Indian culture?” Rashidi asked. The controversy began after BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi criticised Kharge over his Diwali greeting on November 7, in which the Congress president reportedly referred to the festival as an “Eid of Happiness” or “Khushiyon Ki Eid.”

At a press conference on Wednesday, Trivedi questioned Kharge’s choice of expression and alleged that it reflected a lack of respect for India’s religious and cultural traditions. “Diwali has just passed, and today is the occasion of Bhai Dooj. While the country is progressing towards new heights of development, politics appears to be falling to new lows,” Trivedi said.

He further accused the opposition of showing disregard for Indian traditions, religion and culture. Trivedi also questioned Kharge’s use of the term “Eid”, noting that Kharge comes from Karnataka, where festivals are commonly described using Kannada terms such as “Utsav” or “Habba.” The dispute traces back to Kharge’s Diwali greetings, during which he wished people across the country and described the festival as a celebration of happiness. He also used the occasion to appeal for peace and national unity. Kharge urged people to move beyond conflicts and misunderstandings, stressing that citizens should work together to safeguard the country and strengthen unity among its people.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.