NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Sunday questioned the BJP-led West Bengal government’s proposed Rs 1,000 crore spending over the next two years to renovate and restore ancient temples and monasteries across the state under the ‘Tirthakshetra Circuit’.Speaking to reporters on the occasion of Kali Puja and Diwali, Chowdhury said the country did not belong to any one religion and that the government should adopt an inclusive approach.“There are Gurdwaras and mosques, too; why is funding given only to temples? If resources are to be allocated, it must be done for everyone, for people of all religions. Our country does not belong to just one religion,” he said.He added that resources should be made available to people of all religions and urged the government not to create divisions among religious communities.He also appealed to the government not to create divisions between communities and called for an approach that included everyone.Meanwhile, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge extended Diwali greetings on Sunday, wishing people happiness, peace and harmony.

In a post on X, Rahul said, “Warm wishes to you and your family for Diwali! May the lamps of joy and prosperity light up every home. May this sacred festival bring happiness, peace, harmony, and the light of new hopes to all of India.”Kharge, in his Diwali message, wished for the darkness of injustice and ignorance to be dispelled and for the light of justice, equality and goodwill to reach every person.“On my behalf, and on behalf of all Congress Party leaders and workers, I extend heartfelt wishes to all our fellow citizens for Diwali. May this sacred festival of lights spread the glow of happiness, peace, prosperity and joy in every home and courtyard. May the flame of love, brotherhood and harmony always burn brightly in our society. May the darkness of injustice, ignorance and discrimination be dispelled, and may the light of justice, equality and goodwill reach every person. May the lamp of hope burn in every heart, and may every life be greeted by a new dawn of happiness,” said Kharge.