Controversy in Ayodhya Over Alleged Fish Feast at Congress Event
A controversy has erupted in Ayodhya over an alleged fish feast organised during a welcome programme for Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai, with a video showing fish being cooked at the venue triggering a political uproar.
Rai, who was in Ayodhya on Sunday, visited the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple and Hanuman Garhi, where he recited the Hanuman Chalisa, before attending the welcome programme in the Tarun area. The event was reportedly held on Ekadashi, a day of religious significance during the holy month of Sawan.
The controversy began after a video surfaced showing fish being prepared at a banquet hall, where the welcome programme was organised for Rai, state in-charge Rajpal Gautam, national spokesperson Akhilesh Pratap Singh and Purvanchal in-charge Abhishek Dutt. The video also showed people collecting fish at the venue amid heavy rain, with the downpour affecting the welcome event as well as preparations for the feast.
Claims have been made that more than two quintals of fish were arranged for the programme, though the Congress has not confirmed these figures.
Religious Leaders Demand Apology
The reported fish feast drew strong criticism from the sant community, which accused the Congress of hurting Sanatan sentiments and demanded a public apology.
Mahant Dr Bharat Das said the Congress appeared to lack an understanding of Ayodhya's religious traditions. "Organising a non-vegetarian feast on a sacred occasion like Sawan and Ekadashi reflects an anti-Sanatan mindset. Before doing politics in Ayodhya, Congress leaders should understand the religious traditions and dignity of this city," he said. He added that the sant community would not accept any attempt to hurt Sanatan sentiments in the city associated with Lord Ram.
Ramesh Das, a priest at Hanumangarhi, said Congress leaders visit Ayodhya to seek the blessings of Lord Ram and saints, but events that hurt religious sentiments should not take place during such visits. "The Congress should clarify its position on faith in Ayodhya and explain how seriously it respects the dignity of Ramnagari," he said, demanding an immediate apology from Rai.
Jagadguru Paramhansacharya urged the Congress to clarify its position on Sanatan faith, saying Ayodhya is not an ordinary political destination but the birthplace of Lord Ram and a centre of faith for crores of Sanatanis. The seers' criticism came amid heightened religious activity in Ayodhya during Sawan, when devotees undertake pilgrimages and visit temples across the city. Hanuman Garhi is one of the prominent religious sites in Ayodhya and attracts a large number of devotees.
Organiser Defends Food Choice
Defending the arrangement, the event organiser, Congress leader Ram Nihal Nishad, said every individual has the constitutional right to eat food according to their preference. Referring to the Nishad community, he said fishing and eating fish are traditional practices, and argued that a person's food choices should not be questioned on the basis of whether it is Sawan, Bhadon or any other month.
The event was organised by Nishad following his joining of the party, with food arrangements made for a large number of people attending the programme.
Ayodhya district Congress president Chet Narayan Singh defended Rai as a Sanatani who regularly visits Hanumangarhi and the Ram temple. He said he had no information about the alleged fish feast and that the organisation would take action if any worker disreputed Sanatan traditions.
Political Reactions
The episode has added a fresh political flashpoint in Ayodhya, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reacting sharply. Yogi accused the Congress of insulting the country's cultural heritage while adopting what he described as a "double standard" on religious matters, questioning the party's decision to visit Hanuman Garhi and subsequently be associated with a programme where fish was allegedly served. "If they wanted to eat fish, they could have eaten it outside Ayodhya," he said, adding, "There is a limit to shamelessness."
Congress leader Pawan Khera, however, dismissed the row as a non-issue, saying that when Ayodhya is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is an alleged donation scam, not fish or rice.
After his temple visits, Rai attacked the BJP, alleging oppression and injustice across the country and claiming that the BJP had "stolen the offerings" at Lord Ram's court. He said he prayed to Lord Hanuman that those responsible be jailed.
The Congress party has yet to issue a detailed response to the video and the claims about the quantity of fish served.