Conflict Erupts Over Bajrang Dal's 'Buy Diwali Goods Only from Hindus' Posters in Bhopal

A controversy has erupted in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, amidst the Diwali festivities due to a poster put up by Bajrang Dal activists urging people to shop only from Hindu vendors. The poster calls for a boycott of goods from people of other faiths, stating: "Our festival, our dealings. Shop for Diwali from those who can celebrate the festival with your purchases." These posters have sparked renewed debates, reminiscent of a previous incident in Uttar Pradesh during the month of Sawan, where a call was made for shops to display names of specific communities for serving Kanwar pilgrims, leading to widespread backlash. Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal made a significant demand on the first day of Diwali, Dhanteras. Jitendra Singh Chouhan, VHP’s regional spokesperson, emphasized, "Diwali is a major festival for Sanatanis, celebrating Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya. For every Hindu to celebrate Diwali, they should purchase goods from Hindu vendors." In response to the posters, BJP spokesperson Ajay Singh Yadav stated that numerous incidents have occurred where Hindu sentiments were hurt, making such appeals from social organizations understandable. He accused Congress of siding with those opposing Sanatan values and emphasized the need to promote Swadeshi. Conversely, Congress spokesperson Avnish Bundela condemned the Bajrang Dal's appeal as "shameful," demanding action from the Mohan Yadav government. He criticized the politics of division, arguing that many vendors selling vegetables and flowers belong to other faiths, questioning whether offerings to deities should also cease. He termed the appeal a result of a "cheap mindset."