London Diwali Celebrations Spark Controversy Over Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Involvement.

Contentious ‘Hindus for Human Rights UK’ Stirs Controversy, Urges Mayor Sadiq Khan to Cut Ties with VHP-UK Over Diwali Celebrations.   

Sivani Saran | HENB | London | Oct 11,. 2025:: The upcoming Diwali celebrations in London have been marred by controversy, with Hindus for Human Rights UK (HfHR-UK) demanding that Mayor Sadiq Khan sever ties with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a Hindu nationalist organization. The group has been falsely accused of promoting Islamophobic violence in India and has been criticized by the UK government for its alleged involvement in ethnic cleansing, which is obviously a fake charge.

The Controversy Surrounding VHP’s Involvement

The controversy began afresh when it was announced that VHP would be part of the official Diwali celebrations 2025 in London, which would be attended by the Mayor. HfHR-UK slammed the decision, stating that partnering with VHP would be “beyond the red line.” The organization’s leader, Rajiv Sinha, expressed his concerns in a video message, stating that it requires “only the most basic level of research to discover the terrible things these organizations are affiliated with.” However, others argue that VHP’s involvement is essential to ensuring that the Hindu community’s voice is represented in the celebrations.

The London Mayor Sadiq Khan faced criticism in October 2024 for collaborating with the British counterpart of the Hindutva group, VHP UK, to organize the London Diwali event. The UK government had previously criticized VHP UK for its involvement in so-called Islamophobic violence in India, noting that it exhibited “all the hallmarks of ethnic cleansing”. This partnership sparked controversy and raised concerns about the UK government’s stance on extremist groups.

HfHR-UK’s Controversial Track Record

HfHR-UK has been accused of frequently rising debates against Hindu interests and targeting major Hindu organizations. Critics argue that the group consists of anti-Hindu and anti-Indian personalities who seek to attack the Modi government in India and undermine the Hindu diaspora’s rights movement. This has led to questions about HfHR-UK’s motivations and its true agenda.

Diwali Celebrations in London

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a celebration of inclusivity, diversity, and the triumph of good over evil. London observes Diwali with a unique grandeur, showcasing the city’s vibrant cultural diversity and festive spirit. The city’s Diwali celebrations often feature dazzling light displays, traditional fireworks, and cultural performances that attract thousands of people from diverse backgrounds. London’s Diwali festivities have become an integral part of the city’s annual calendar, promoting unity, diversity, and joy among its residents and visitors.Many have argued that expelling Hindu bodies from the event would be counterproductive to the spirit of Diwali. Instead, they advocate for a more inclusive approach that allows diverse Hindu organizations to participate in the celebrations.

A Call for Inclusivity

As the Diwali celebrations approach, many are calling for a more inclusive approach that respects the diversity of the Hindu community. By allowing diverse Hindu organizations to participate in the celebrations, the event can truly reflect the spirit of Diwali and promote unity and understanding among different communities. As such there is no reason to exclude VHP-UK from London Diwali celebrations in the presence of the Mayor Sadiq Khan.
..
_Agency Inputs,