The BJP and Congress have locked horns over an alleged fish feast held during a welcome programme for state Congress president Ajay Rai in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya. The ruling party has accused the Opposition of hurting religious sentiments as the Congress calls the controversy an attempt to divert attention from other issues.
The row erupted after a video purportedly showed fish being prepared at the banquet hall where Rai was welcomed by members of the Nishad community. The event took place during Sawan, a period considered sacred by many Hindus.
Yogi attacks Rai over Ayodhya event
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath brought the issue up while addressing a gathering in Raebareli on Monday. "You saw the behaviour of the Congress state president: he goes to offer prayers at Hanumangarhi, but later outside he enjoys a feast of fish," Yogi said.
{{/usCountry}}Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath brought the issue up while addressing a gathering in Raebareli on Monday. "You saw the behaviour of the Congress state president: he goes to offer prayers at Hanumangarhi, but later outside he enjoys a feast of fish," Yogi said.
{{/usCountry}}ALSO READ | BJP passes resolution on 'Vande Mataram', condemns Congress move to sing 2 stanzas
The CM questioned Rai's decision to attend the event after visiting the temple and said he could have eaten what he wanted elsewhere "anywhere other than Ayodhya".
Taking a further swipe at the Congress leader, Yogi said the episode showed the party's alleged "duplicity".
"Even a chameleon would be put to shame by these people," he said “It would wonder what kind of human species this is -- chanting 'Ram-Ram' inside the temple and feasting on fish the moment they step out.”
Fish during Sawan is 'way too much': UP minister
UP Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar, from the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, also criticised the Congress over the event.
"If a fish feast is held during the month of Sawan, that is way too much," Rajbhar told PTI. “Congress does whatever it likes. Congress leaders are experts at everything.”
Ajay Rai rejects allegations, seeks proof
Rai has denied that he personally participated in any fish feast and challenged CM Yogi to produce evidence. "The CM is criticising; does the CM have any photos? If he can produce any pictures, I will be ready to resign immediately," Rai said.
Rai said he had been invited by the Nishad community and attended a programme organised in his honour.
"Nishad Samaj invited me to a programme in Ayodhya yesterday. If they were getting fish prepared there, it would be their concern. I attended the program and returned," he said.
Rai later explained that the gathering was linked to the traditional livelihood of the Nishad community, which includes fishing and selling fish.
"I visited the religious places associated with Lord Ram and offered prayers at Hanumangarhi Temple and the Ram temple. After that, I attended an event organised by the Nishad community," Rai said.
"Fishing, selling fish and eating fish are part of their traditional livelihood. They are the sons of the river."
ALSO READ | 'Real life Batman': Posters comparing Rahul Gandhi to caped crusader put up near Congress headquarters
Rai also alleged that policies of the present government affected the community's traditional access to river and pond lands, while claiming that such lands were earlier allotted to Nishads on lease during Congress rule.
"The Nishad community is making and eating fish, and we went there. They honoured us and blessed us with love and affection," he said.
BJP accuses Congress of hurting religious sentiments
BJP MP Ashok Bajpai said people were free to make their own dietary choices but must keep in mind the place and time. He accused the Congress of hurting religious sentiments by holding the programme in Ayodhya during Sawan and alleged that the episode showed the party's "anti-Hindu character".
ALSO READ | Smriti asks Rahul to back women’s quota law
Congress calls row a diversion
Congress MP Pawan Khera, meanwhile, accused the BJP of focusing on the fish controversy to avoid questions on issues such as paper leaks. "Such issues are raised so that important issues like paper leaks are not raised," Khera said.
He also questioned whether the controversy could overshadow allegations concerning donations in Ayodhya. "Can 'Maach-Bhaat' make people forget about the theft of donations in Ayodhya?" Khera asked.
Defending Rai, Khera said the Congress leader was a vegetarian and said dietary choices should not become a political issue. "Ajay Rai is a vegetarian, even if he were not, what is wrong with it?" he said.