Politicians Urge Focus on Inflation, Not Dining Preferences, Amid Ayodhya Row

New Delhi, 24 August – A controversy surrounding a supposed fish meal at a Congress event in Ayodhya has sparked a broader debate about political priorities. Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders have denounced attempts to politicise a private dietary choice, urging the BJP to address the nation’s economic woes instead.

During a press interaction in Saharanpur, Congress MP Imran Masood accused the BJP of tailoring its image and policies to each electoral battleground – mimicking local dress in Bengal, shifting strategies in northern states, and adopting entirely different messages in the South, Goa and Meghalaya. He highlighted the need for a consistent national policy.

Former MP S.T. Hasan of the Samajwadi Party clarified that the criticised program was a Nishad community convention, a group whose members are traditionally involved in fishing and related trades. He argued that hosting a fish‑centric event is a cultural expression, not a criminal act, and should not become political fodder.

Ajay Rai, the Congress state chief, invited anyone with video evidence of him eating fish to present it, challenging the opposition’s narrative. Hasan questioned the rationale for such allegations when no evidence exists.

Both leaders emphasized that the electorate’s real concerns revolve around soaring inflation and cost‑of‑living pressures. They warned that parties focusing on superficial controversies risk alienating voters who are seeking solutions to everyday economic challenges.