The issue began after a video showing fish being prepared and served at the venue circulated on social media. BJP leaders criticised the feast in Ayodhya during Sawan, especially after Rai had visited Hanumangarhi. In Hindu mythology, consumption of non-vegeterian food is not permitted in this holy month.

Yogi attacks Congress over Ayodhya visit

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised Rai over the issue and said the episode showed the Congress’s approach towards religious traditions.

“When we stand together and intensify the fight, the country’s freedom will be protected. Otherwise, you saw yesterday how Congress leaders insult our heritage. You must have seen the conduct of the Congress state president, who went to Ayodhya to offer prayers at Hanumangarhi and then attended a fish feast. They keep chanting ‘Ram-Ram’; there should be a limit to shamelessness,” he alleged.

Yogi also said, “Who asked him to visit Hanumangarhi? If he wanted to eat fish, he could have gone outside Ayodhya to do so. This shows the Congress’s double standards.”

He also attacked Rai over his past, referring to the murder of his brother and alleging that the Congress leader had not spoken against the mafia accused of killing him. Yogi said things changed after his government came to power and claimed that the state had earlier become a “mafia state”.

Ajay Rai offers to resign if photo is shown

Rai rejected the allegation that he had participated in a fish feast and challenged the BJP to produce evidence.

“Yesterday, I was invited by the Nishad community. Whenever I visit Ayodhya, I first offer prayers at Hanumangarhi and to Lord Ram before attending any programme. The Nishad community was hosting a fish feast at the event. That was their arrangement. I attended the programme and then returned to Lucknow,” he said.

Explaining his position, he said, “Raising, catching and eating fish is part of the Nishad community’s way of life. The BJP is insulting the community, and they will not forget it.”

He challenged Yogi and said, “If the chief minister is making these allegations and has a photograph to prove his accusations, let him show it. I am ready to resign.”

Other BJP leaders also criticised the Congress UP president’s alleged consumption of non-vegetarian food in the fish feast. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, “If you host a fish feast in Ayodhya during the holy month of Sawan, it shows that you are trying to present yourself as a champion of secularism while showing intolerance towards Sanatan traditions.”

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Dutt, who said he was present at the programme, defended the Nishad community’s food habits. “I myself was present at the programme yesterday. We stayed in Ayodhya only for a short time. The Nishad community had organised the event, and they eat fish. Does that mean the BJP is against the Nishad community? The BJP stands for the biggest lying party,” he said.

Congress leader Pawan Khera said the controversy is aimed at diverting attention from other issues. “Such issues are raised to divert attention from important issues such as paper leaks. Today, when people think of Ayodhya, they remember donation theft. Can a ‘maach-bhaat’ controversy make people forget theft of their donations?” he asked.

He also said Rai is a vegetarian and added, “Even if he were not a vegetarian, what would be wrong with that?”

Organiser defends the feast

Congress leader and programme organiser Ram Nihal Nishad said that the criticism was an attempt to question people’s freedom to choose their food.

“India’s Constitution came into force in 1950. It gives people the freedom to eat what they choose, do what they want and worship wherever they wish. You cannot question someone’s food choices,” he said.