Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday criticised state Congress president Ajay Rai over an alleged fish feast at a welcome programme in Ayodhya, accusing him of “duplicity”.
The controversy began after a video surfaced showing fish being prepared at a banquet hall where the Nishad community had reportedly organised a welcome programme for Rai. The alleged serving of non-vegetarian food during Sawan drew objections from some local religious figures.
Speaking at an event in Raebareli, Yogi questioned Rai’s conduct, alleging that the Congress leader offered prayers at Hanumangarhi before attending the programme.
“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,” Yogi said.
“He could have eaten whatever he wanted outside, anywhere other than Ayodhya. Yet, this is the duplicity they display,” he added.
Yogi further attacked Rai with a sharp political remark, saying, “Even a chameleon would be put to shame by these people.”
Ajay Rai Denies Allegation
Rai rejected the chief minister’s criticism and challenged him to produce evidence showing that he ate fish at the event.
“The CM is criticising; does the CM have any photos? If he can produce any pictures, I will be ready to resign immediately,” Rai said.
Rai explained that he had attended the programme after receiving an invitation from the Nishad Samaj and denied responsibility for the food arrangements.
“Nishad Samaj invited me to a programme in Ayodhya yesterday. If they were getting fish prepared there, it would be their concern. I attended the programme and returned,” he said.
Congress Defends Rai
Congress leader Pawan Khera also defended Rai and accused the BJP of using the controversy to divert attention from other issues.
“Such issues are raised so that important issues like paper leaks are not raised,” Khera said.
He also claimed that Rai is a vegetarian and questioned the criticism over the alleged food arrangements.
“Ajay Rai is a vegetarian, even if he were not, what is wrong with it?” Khera said.
BJP Says Religious Sentiments Were Hurt
BJP MP Ashok Bajpai accused the Congress of hurting religious sentiments by holding the programme in Ayodhya during Sawan.
While acknowledging that people have the right to choose what they eat, Bajpai argued that Ayodhya’s religious significance made the alleged serving of fish particularly controversial.
The BJP also accused the Congress of engaging in appeasement politics and alleged that the incident reflected what it described as the party’s “anti-Hindu character”.
The controversy has added another flashpoint to the ongoing BJP-Congress political battle in Uttar Pradesh, with religion, food and political conduct becoming central to the dispute.
