New Delhi, Aug 24 — A controversy erupted over a fish feast organised during a welcome programme for Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai in Ayodhya, with the BJP on Monday launching a sharp attack on the Congress and questioning the holding of such a feast during the holy month of Sawan.
The Congress, however, defended the event, with its leaders accusing the BJP and the RSS of attempting to dictate people's personal choices, including what they should eat.
Speaking to reporters, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said it was unfortunate that such a feast was organised in Ayodhya during the holy month.
"Look, it is very sad. Ayodhya Dham is our holy site. It is the abode of Lord Ram Lalla, and to have this kind of feast there, and that too in the month of Sawan, reflects the culture of the Congress," Pathak said.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad also questioned the Congress over the issue, while referring to the traditions and socio-economic condition of the Nishad community.
"Congress should be asked why. They will go to temples and also eat fish. We are saying that everyone is a Nishad. They are poor and displaced. Eating fish is their tradition; they eat fish all the time. The issue is why Nishads are poor and why they are uneducated. Congress wants to trap Nishads by throwing a net and feeding them fish," he said.
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo launched a stronger attack on the Congress, alleging that the party had insulted the religious sentiments associated with Ayodhya and the month of Sawan.
"For Sanatanis, Lord Ram is known as Maryadapurushottam. During the auspicious month of Sawan, if someone consumes fish, it reflects their mindset. These are the people who do not believe in Lord Ram. They had even filed an affidavit saying that Lord Ram was imaginary," Shahdeo said.
He further alleged that the Congress repeatedly insulted Sanatan traditions and said the party would have to face the consequences of its actions.
"If you have the courage, then consume restricted items at Mecca and Medina. We respect all religions, but why do you target only Hindus? Congress leaders will have to face the consequences," he added.
Reacting to the BJP's criticism, Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned whether political organisations had the right to decide what people should cook or eat.
"The leader, Nishad ji (Ram Nihal Nishad), who hosted this programme, has recently come from the BJP. If someone invites a person to their home or an event, will you dictate terms about what should be cooked and what should not be cooked?" Khera asked.
"Ajay Rai ji is a vegetarian; that is a different matter. No one should have the authority to decide what someone eats or does not eat. If the Nishad community eats fish, will the RSS decide what and when the Nishad community should eat? Who do they think they are?" he said.
Khera further accused the RSS of attempting to interfere in people's personal lives.
"We still fail to understand who they are to dictate whether Muslims should wear a hijab or whether Nishads should eat fish. That is why Rahul Gandhi repeatedly targets the RSS, saying that they want to intrude into everyone's personal lives to dictate what one should eat, when to eat, what to wear and which language to speak. This cannot go on," he added.
Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput also hit back at the BJP, accusing the ruling party of insulting the Nishad community.
"People of the Bharatiya Janata Party are anti-religion. They are anti-Nishad and anti-Lord Shri Ram. The descendants of Nishad Raj, who was a close friend of Lord Shri Ram, had organised a meal for Ajay Rai ji. What does Ajay Rai ji have to do with the food prepared by the host?" Rajput said.
He said the feast was organised as part of the community's traditions of welcoming and hosting guests.
"As part of their traditions and hospitality, they organised the feast, and Ajay Rai ji participated in the programme. Today, by making allegations against the Nishad community over fish, the BJP is insulting, boycotting and humiliating the community," he added.
The controversy began after a video surfaced showing fish being prepared at a banquet hall where a welcome programme was organised for Rai and other Congress leaders.
Some local religious figures objected to the food arrangement, citing the holy month of Sawan. The event organiser, however, defended the choice, saying every individual has the constitutional right to eat food according to their preference.
Rai, who was in Ayodhya on Sunday, visited the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple and Hanuman Garhi before attending the welcome programme in Tarun, Ayodhya. He also recited the Hanuman Chalisa at Hanuman Garhi.
The welcome event was organised for Rai, state in-charge Rajpal Gautam, national spokesperson Akhilesh Pratap Singh and Purvanchal in-charge Abhishek Dutt. The programme was organised by Congress leader Ram Nihal Nishad following his joining the party, with food arrangements made for a large number of people attending the event.