Yogi vs Congress over ‘fish feast’ in Ayodhya: ‘Even chameleon would be put to shame’

Yogi calls out Ajay Rai, Congress says ‘diverting issues’

NEW DELHI: A political row erupted between the BJP and Congress over an alleged fish feast organised during a welcome programme for newly appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai in Ayodhya.The controversy erupted after a video surfaced showing fish being prepared at a banquet hall in Ayodhya, where a welcome programme for the Congress leader was being held.Several local religious figures objected to the food arrangements, saying the programme was taking place during the holy month of Sawan.What BJP claimsReacting to the controversy, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath accused Ajay Rai of “duplicity” over the alleged fish feast.“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. He could have eaten whatever he wanted outside—anywhere other than Ayodhya. Yet, this is the duplicity they display. Even a chameleon would be put to shame by these people; 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. This is their history—the history of this Congress state president,” Yogi said.BJP MLA Ved Prakash Gupta criticised the Congress over the alleged fish feast, saying, “scores of Hindus are immersed in the worship of Lord Shiva during Sawan. Organising a fish feast at such a time is an open display of Congress’ anti-Hindu mindset.”He alleged that visiting temples in Ayodhya and then attending an event where fish was served exposed the Congress party’s “dual standards”.UP BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary described the event as “highly condemnable and unforgivable” and demanded that the Congress publicly apologise to saints and devotees.What Congress saidResponding to the controversy Ajay Rai denied any involvement in the food arrangements and challenged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to provide evidence.“The CM is criticising; does the CM have any photos? If he can produce any pictures, I will be ready to resign immediately. Nishad Samaj invited me to a program in Ayodhya yesterday. If they were getting fish prepared there, it would be their concern. I attended the program and returned,” Rai said.Congress MP Pawan Khera criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party, saying that such controversies were being raised to divert attention from more pressing issues, including paper leaks.“Such issues are raised so that important issues like paper leaks are not raised. Today, when people think of Ayodhya, they are reminded of the theft of donations. Can ‘Maach-Bhaat’ make people forget about the theft of donations in Ayodhya? People in Nagpur think fish should not be consumed. Ajay Rai is a vegetarian, even if he were not, what is wrong with it?” Khera said.

Ajay Rai had earlier defended the event, saying it was organised by members of the Nishad community, for whom fish forms an important part of their food culture.“Yeh Nishad samaj ka karyakram tha. Nishad samaj machhli ka vyapar karta hai. Unke liye machhli sabse achha bhojan hai jo woh kisi ko de sakte hain… and how can one check a host from cooking what they want,” Rai said.He also questioned the allegation that his presence at the event amounted to a violation of Sanatan traditions. “Where is the proof that I violated Sanatan tradition?” he asked.Rai also hit back at the criticism by drawing a comparison with BJP leaders. Referring to BJP national president Nitin Nabin and an earlier controversy involving non-vegetarian food, he said, “Nitin Nabin consumed non-vegetarian food in Andhra Pradesh and claimed that he had eaten jackfruit. They are treating me with the same lens.”