‘Show Me the Photo, I’ll Resign’: Ajay Rai Hits Back at Yogi Over Ayodhya Fish Feast Row

Lucknow/Ayodhya: A new controversy has arisen in the politics of Uttar Pradesh regarding the alleged fish feast held during the welcome programme of Congress State President Ajay Rai in Ayodhya. After the video of this banquet organised in the month of Sawan surfaced, BJP started targeting Congress. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused Rai of attending a fish feast after visiting the temple. Whereas Ajay Rai completely rejected the allegation and said that if his picture of eating fish comes out then he is ready to resign from the post of State Congress President.

Which event in Ayodhya started the controversy?

The controversy started after a programme of Nishad Samaj in Ayodhya on Sunday. Many party leaders including Ajay Rai and Congress state in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam had attended the programme. Despite the rain, a crowd of people remained present at the programme. A video from the venue later surfaced, showing images of fish being cooked. After this, BJP leaders started attacking Congress, linking it to the religious sensitivity of Sawan and Ayodhya.

What accusation did Yogi make on Ajay Rai?

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath targeted Congress and Ajay Rai in Rae Bareli on Monday. He said that the Congress state president went to Hanumangarhi for darshan and after that attended the fish feast outside. Terming it as “double conduct” of Congress, Yogi raised the question that if fish had to be eaten then it could have been eaten outside Ayodhya. He also accused Congress of insulting Sanatan traditions.

Why did Ajay Rai challenge to resign?

Clarifying on Yogi's allegations, Ajay Rai said that after reaching Ayodhya, he first visits Hanumangarhi and Lord Ram. After this he went to the programme of Nishad Samaj. He says that the banquet was organised by Nishad Samaj and he returned to Lucknow after staying there for some time. Rai said that if the chief minister or BJP has any picture of him eating fish then it should be made public. When the photo was proved, he said he would resign.

Why did Congress raise questions on BJP?

Congress has accused the entire controversy of being made a political issue. Party leader Pawan Kheda said that Ajay Rai is a vegetarian and according to him, an attempt is being made to divert attention from other important questions by raising this issue. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Dutt also said that fish was served in the programme of Nishad Samaj and it is wrong to link the presence of party leaders with eating fish.

What clarification was given regarding the organisation of Nishad Samaj?

Ram Nihal Nishad, associated with the programme, said that under the Constitution of India, no person's eating habits can be questioned. At the same time, leaders belonging to Nishad community have described fish as a part of the traditional lifestyle of their community. Meanwhile, BJP leaders say that the dispute is not only about food but also about organising such an event in a religious city like Ayodhya during Sawan.

Who came to the fish feast?

After the controversy escalated, statements of many leaders of BJP and Congress came out. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi targeted Congress over the fish feast in Ayodhya during Sawan. From the Congress side it was called an unnecessary controversy. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh government minister Sanjay Nishad also said that it is not appropriate to raise questions about the food habits of the Nishad community. It is clear from this that the controversy that started from a local programme has now become a big issue in the politics of the state.

Why has fish feast in Ayodhya now become a political issue?

Considering the religious identity of Ayodhya and the month of Sawan, BJP has linked this matter to cultural and religious sentiments. Congress is attacking BJP by linking it to the freedom of food and drink and the rights of Nishad community. At present, the most talked-about issue is Ajay Rai's challenge, in which he has said that he will resign if his picture of eating fish comes out.