Lucknow: A controversy has arisen over the alleged cooking of fish in the welcome program organized during the visit of Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai to Ayodhya. After the video of this event which took place at Arpit Marriage Lawn located near Hanumangarhi surfaced, local saints and devotees have raised objections. Since the matter is related to the month of Sawan and Kanwar Marg, it has also come into discussion due to religious sentiments.
In fact, a welcome ceremony was organized when Congress state president Ajay Rai, state in-charge Rajpal Gautam, national spokesperson Akhilesh Pratap Singh and Purvanchal in-charge Abhishek Dutt reached Tarun. It is being told that the program was organized by Ram Nihal Nishad, who recently joined Congress.
Controversy increased after the video surfaced
A video related to the program has surfaced on social media. In this, some people can be seen carrying fish. After the video surfaced, some saints of Ayodhya expressed their displeasure over the event and raised questions citing the dignity of the religious place. Saint Sitaram Das objected to this incident and said that it is not appropriate to organize such an event in Ayodhya in a religiously important month like Sawan. He also expressed displeasure over fish feast being organized near Kanwar Marg. The saint says that such an event can hurt the sentiments of devotees and followers of Sanatan Dharma.
The organizer gave clarification
Amidst the controversy, the organizer of the event, Ram Nihal Nishad, defended his event. He said that every citizen in the country has the right to eat food of his choice. According to him, a person's eating habits should not be judged only on the basis of a particular month or place.
Referring to the traditions of Nishad community, Ram Nihal Nishad said that fishing and its consumption has been a part of the culture of his community. He raised the question as to why one's food choice should be objected to on the basis of months like Sawan or Bhadon. At present, debate is going on regarding this matter at both political and religious levels.