BJP’s Diwali Outreach Sparks Row as Opposition Accuses Party of Polarising Voters

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) new festive outreach in Mumbai has sparked a political row ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

As part of the campaign, BJP workers are distributing Diwali “mithai and namkeen” packets across the city — an initiative the party says is aimed at strengthening community ties but which opposition parties allege is designed to polarise voters.

Each packet carries the slogan “Ek hain toh safe hain” (If united, we are safe) — a phrase previously used by the party during the Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra. Political observers say the message, tied to earlier electoral narratives, risks reigniting communal fault lines as the civic polls approach.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the BJP of “using festivals to divide society.” Party spokesperson Anand Dubey claimed the initiative is “a clear attempt at voter polarisation under the garb of cultural outreach” and said the party plans to approach the Election Commission.

Congress leader Sachin Sawant echoed the criticism, saying that “after failing on governance and development, the BJP is now resorting to emotional manipulation.”

Even allies within the Mahayuti alliance have raised eyebrows. NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) spokesperson Anand Paranjpe questioned the decision to print political slogans on Diwali gifts, calling it “a reflection of a narrow mindset.” He added, “If the Constitution exists, we are safe — not because of political unity, but because of constitutional values.”

BJP leaders, however, have rejected the criticism. Sanjay Pandey, who heads the party’s North Indian Cell in Mumbai, described the distribution drive as “a social engagement activity meant to connect with citizens during the festive season,” insisting it has “no political motive whatsoever.”