BJP and Congress Clash Over Alleged Fish Feast in Ayodhya

The BJP and Congress have entered a political dispute following an alleged fish feast held during a welcome program for Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai in Ayodhya. The controversy centers on a video purportedly showing fish being prepared at a banquet hall where Rai was welcomed by members of the Nishad community during Sawan, a month considered sacred by many Hindus.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized Rai for visiting the Hanumangarhi temple and then attending the feast, calling the behavior an example of duplicity. UP Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar added that holding a fish feast during Sawan was excessive. BJP MP Ashok Bajpai stated that while dietary choices are personal, the timing and location of the event hurt religious sentiments and reflected an anti Hindu character.

Ajay Rai denied personally participating in a fish feast and challenged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to produce photographic evidence, offering to resign if such proof emerged. Rai explained that he attended a program organized by the Nishad community, for whom fishing and eating fish are traditional livelihoods. He further alleged that the current government's policies have negatively impacted the community's traditional access to river and pond lands. Congress MP Pawan Khera characterized the row as an attempt by the BJP to divert attention from other issues.