Political Tussle Escalates as BJP Accuses Congress of Fish Banquet

The political climate in Uttar Pradesh intensified on August 24 after senior BJP figures accused the state Congress chief of participating in a fish banquet during a sacred month. The allegation was aired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a mass gathering in Bareilly, where he claimed that Ajay Rai, after a pilgrimage to Hanuman Giri, indulged in a fish feast and then shouted religious slogans.

Ajay Rai responded by stating that the event was organized by community leader Ram Nihal Nishad, who invited him as a guest. He explained that the Nishad community traditionally serves fish, and his presence was merely ceremonial.

Rai warned that unless the chief minister can substantiate the claim with verifiable proof, he is prepared to resign from his position. "If you cannot prove the allegation, the responsibility lies with you to step down," he said.

The controversy has drawn reactions from other political leaders, with Congress member Shakil Ahmed Khan noting that fish consumption is common across many Indian communities, including among BJP leaders themselves.