BJP Slams Lalu Yadav for Halloween Celebration with Grandchildren, Calls It ‘Kumbh Faltu’ Controversy

Patna: A fresh political controversy erupted after visuals of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav celebrating Halloween with his grandchildren surfaced on social media. The BJP accused Yadav of disrespecting Indian traditions while embracing Western customs, linking his recent celebration to his earlier “Kumbh faltu” comment that had drawn widespread criticism.

On October 31, Lalu’s daughter Rohini Acharya shared pictures and videos from the family’s Halloween celebration on social media, captioning it, “Happy Halloween to everyone!” The images featured Lalu Yadav playfully posing with his grandchildren, who were dressed in festive costumes inspired by the Western holiday.

Reacting to the viral posts, the BJP Kisan Morcha (BJPKM) took a swipe at the RJD chief on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Remember, people of Bihar — this is the same Lalu Yadav who celebrates the British festival Halloween, but calls the great Kumbh of faith and spirituality ‘faltu’. The people of Bihar will not forgive anyone who insults their faith.”

Understanding Halloween and Its Cultural Roots

Halloween, celebrated annually on October 31 in Western countries, traces its origins to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was believed that during this time, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred. Today, Halloween is marked by costume parties, pumpkin carvings, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations.

‘Faltu Hai Kumbh’ — Lalu Yadav’s Comment That Sparked Outrage

Earlier this year, Lalu Prasad Yadav stirred massive outrage when he described the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj as “faltu” (meaningless). The controversial statement came after a tragic incident at the New Delhi Railway Station, where a stampede occurred as devotees rushed to board trains bound for Prayagraj, resulting in 18 deaths and multiple injuries.

When reporters asked about the large crowds heading to the Kumbh, Yadav replied, “Kumbh ka kahan koi matlab hai? Faltu hai Kumbh.” (What is the point of Kumbh? It’s meaningless.)

The remark invited sharp backlash from Hindu religious groups and the BJP, who accused Yadav of “mocking faith” and “playing politics over the deaths of devotees.”

BJP’s Strong Response to Lalu Yadav’s Remarks

Manoj Sharma, BJP spokesperson in Bihar, slammed Yadav, stating that his words reflect the RJD’s disregard for Hindu beliefs and traditions. “Lalu Yadav’s comments expose how little respect the RJD has for Indian culture. Celebrating Western festivals while insulting Sanatana Dharma is unacceptable,” Sharma said.

Echoing the sentiment, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha also condemned the RJD chief, calling his remarks “insensitive” and “an insult to the faith of millions.” He added, “By trivializing the Kumbh, Lalu Yadav has disrespected one of the world’s oldest and holiest traditions.”

Political and Public Reactions

The controversy has reignited the ongoing cultural and political debate between the BJP and RJD in Bihar. While Lalu Yadav’s supporters dismissed the criticism as “unnecessary politicization of a family moment,” BJP leaders maintained that celebrating Halloween while labeling Kumbh as meaningless demonstrates a “clear double standard.”

Social media platforms have since been flooded with contrasting opinions — with some users defending Lalu’s personal choice to celebrate with family, and others condemning what they see as an insult to India’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion: Cultural Sensitivity in Public Life

The incident underscores the delicate balance between global cultural influences and the preservation of Indian traditions in public life. As political leaders continue to face scrutiny over personal actions, the BJP vs. RJD narrative once again highlights how faith, culture, and politics remain deeply intertwined in India’s social discourse.